26 I. & N. Dec. 288
BIA2014Background
- Respondent Siegfred Ara Sierra, a Philippines-born lawful permanent resident, seeks relief from removal.
- Convicted in Nevada of attempted forgery (2003) and attempted possession of a stolen vehicle (2010).
- IJ found removability under 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(ii) and (iii) for CIMTs and an aggravated felony.
- Board sustains appeal in part and remands for further proceedings.
- Question presented: whether Nevada’s attempted possession of a stolen vehicle qualifies as an aggravated felony theft offense.
- Derivative citizenship claim by mother’s naturalization to be addressed on remand.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether Nevada attempted possession of a stolen vehicle is a theft offense | Sierra argues it is not a theft offense under 101(a)(43)(G)/(U) | DHS contends it falls within the broad receipt/possession category | Yes, not categorically an aggravated felony theft offense |
Key Cases Cited
- Matter of Bahta, 22 I&N Dec. 1381 (BIA 2000) (addressed narrowed view of receipt; not controlling here)
- Cardiel, 25 I&N Dec. 12 (BIA 2009) (receipt of stolen property; knowledge implicit in intent to deprive)
- Randhawa v. Ashcroft, 298 F.3d 1148 (9th Cir. 2002) (possession of stolen mail; infers intent to deprive)
- Verdugo-Gonzalez v. Holder, 581 F.3d 1059 (9th Cir. 2009) (reaffirming that knowing receipt of stolen property is theft offense)
- Huerta-Guevara v. Ashcroft, 321 F.3d 883 (9th Cir. 2003) (no knowledge means no aggravated felony theft offense)
- Cardiel (California receipt statute context), 24 I&N Dec. 436 (BIA 2008) (implicit deprivation element from knowledge in receipt)
- United States v. Corona-Sanchez, 291 F.3d 1201 (9th Cir. 2002) (generic theft requires intent to deprive owner)
- Matter of Garcia-Madruga, 24 I&N Dec. 436 (BIA 2008) (cites knowledge-based theft reasoning)