Broad Reading of ‘Harsh’ Deportation Law Backed by Justices (1)

The US Supreme Court made it easier for the government to deport legal immigrants convicted of certain crimes, many of whom have been in the US for decades.

In a 6-3 decision Thursday, the justices said convictions for both accessory after the fact and attempting to dissuade victims of reporting sexual misconduct were serious enough crimes to make individuals eligible for removal.

An offense may relate to obstruction of justice—and result in removal from the country—"even if the offense does not require that an investigation or proceeding be pending,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the majority, citing dictionaries, federal and ...