Zhen Li Iao v. Gonzales

Zhen Li Iao (plaintiff), a Chinese national, fled to the United States to practice Falun Gong, a religion outlawed in China, and applied for asylum. She testified through an interpreter. The immigration judge denied asylum and ordered her deported, finding she lacked expertise in Falun Gong, did not present clear evidence of her practice, and gave inconsistent testimony. The Board of Immigration Appeals affirmed without a written opinion. Li petitioned for review.

Whether a court of appeals may affirm an immigration judge's decision that is unreasoned and fails to provide a rational analysis of the evidence.