In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court sided with an immigrant, Monsalvo Velázquez, clarifying that voluntary departure deadlines under immigration law must be extended if they fall on weekends or federal holidays.
Justices Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts joined the Court’s liberal wing in the decision. Gorsuch, writing for the majority, emphasized consistency with long-standing administrative practices, dating back to the 1950s, and noted the 1996 immigration law aligns with this interpretation.
The ruling overturned lower court decisions and may influence future immigration cases, including those concerning due process and Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship.
The dissent, led by Justices Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, argued the Court lacked jurisdiction. Justice Alito warned against making exceptions based on sympathy, asserting deadlines must be strictly enforced.
