The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against Nachhattar Singh and his family in their request for asylum in the United States. The court found that the family did not meet the legal requirements for asylum and withholding of removal. This decision affects Singh, his wife Sandeep Kaur, and their two minor children, who sought refuge from violence in India.

The case, Singh v. Blanche, was filed under docket number 25-3300. The court's decision was issued on October 27, 2026, and it concluded that the family could safely relocate within India, specifically to Punjab, where they would not face persecution.

Background

Nachhattar Singh and his family are originally from Haryana, India. Singh claimed that he faced violence and threats from local political groups, which prompted him to seek asylum in the United States. The family applied for asylum and withholding of removal, arguing that returning to India would put their lives at risk due to past assaults and threats against Singh.

The case reached the Ninth Circuit after the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) denied their asylum application. The BIA based its decision on findings from an immigration judge (IJ) who determined that Singh's experiences did not constitute past persecution severe enough to warrant asylum. The family then petitioned the Ninth Circuit for a review of the BIA's decision.

The Ruling

The Ninth Circuit ruled against the Singh family, affirming the BIA's decision. The court stated, "Substantial evidence supports the denial of asylum and withholding of removal." The judges noted that while Singh had suffered three assaults and received two death threats, these incidents did not result in significant injuries or suffering, which is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for asylum.

The court further explained that the BIA had reasonably concluded that the Singh family could safely relocate to Punjab. The judges highlighted that Singh is a member of the Sikh community, which is the majority in Punjab, and he has family ties and employment opportunities there. The court stated, "The agency analyzed Petitioners’ individual circumstances and concluded relocation to Punjab would be safe and reasonable." This finding was pivotal in the court's decision to deny the asylum request.

Impact

The ruling has significant implications for the Singh family, as it means they must return to India despite their fears of persecution. The court's decision emphasizes the importance of demonstrating substantial evidence of past persecution and the ability to relocate safely within one's home country. This case may also influence future asylum seekers from India and similar situations, as it sets a precedent regarding the evaluation of internal relocation as a viable option.

Additionally, the ruling underscores the challenges faced by asylum applicants in proving their claims. The court noted that the family could not establish that they would face persecution if they returned to Punjab, thus denying their claims for asylum and withholding of removal.

What's Next

The Singh family may have limited options moving forward. They could potentially appeal the decision to a higher court, but details about any plans for further legal action were not available in the court filing. The case highlights ongoing issues within the U.S. immigration system regarding asylum claims and the standards required to prove eligibility.