The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering an immigration case that may change federal laws regarding deportation. U.S. immigration law states that any immigrant who commits a violent crime is subject to deportation. The court recently weighed in on what many say is such vague wording (insofar as the term, “violent” is concerned) that existing law may violate the rights of immigrants in Florida and elsewhere to due process.
A man in another state was convicted of several burglaries. His attorneys, and others supporting all immigrants’ rights, say he committed no violence and existing laws do not adequately define which crimes are violent and which are not. In arguments heard before the court on a recent Monday, Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out that many burglaries are committed without even breaking door locks.
Those paying close attention to this case suspect that Justice Neil Gorsuch will possibly have a deciding vote on the matter. It is, in fact, the second go around for this particular argument in the high court as an earlier attempt was thwarted due to a shortage of justices. Justice Samuel Alito said he is worried that too loose a standard would cause other federal laws to fall.
The U.S. immigration law situation could affect thousands of lives in Florida and throughout the nation. In light of other recent changes in the law (such as the announced plan to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program) many people are growing increasingly worried about deportation issues. An attorney can assist anyone facing current immigration law issues in this state.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, “Supreme Court Mulls Parameters for Deporting Immigrant Felons“, Andrew Chung, Oct. 2, 2017
