Justices Appear to Back Broad Reading of Deportation Statute (1)

US Supreme Court justices appeared to favor a broad view of when the government can deport legal immigrants convicted of certain crimes, including many who have been in the US for decades.

The question at argument on Monday centered on what types of crimes related to obstruction of justice count as an “aggravated felony” that can trigger deportation, and specifically whether there must be an active investigation or proceeding to qualify.

Jean Francois Pugin, who was admitted to the US as a lawful permanent resident in 1985, was ordered removed after pleading guilty to being an accessory after the fact. ...