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No. 22-23October Term 2022Decided Jun 22, 2023

Docket 22-23October Term 2022 (2022–2023)

Pugin v. Garland

The Supreme Court held that a state conviction for accessory after the fact to a felony qualifies as an offense relating to obstruction of justice under the Immigration and Nationality Act, making a noncitizen eligible for deportation.

Case status

Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released Jun 22, 2023
Case Accepted
Arguments HeardApr 17, 2023
Decision ReleasedJun 22, 2023
What it's about

The Supreme Court held that a state conviction for accessory after the fact to a felony qualifies as an offense relating to obstruction of justice under the Immigration and Nationality Act, making a noncitizen eligible for deportation. This classification applies even if no formal investigation or proceeding was pending at the time of the offense.

Question presented

Is Virginia’s offense of accessory after the fact to a felony an “offense relating to obstruction of justice” under the Immigration and Nationality Act?

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit / Decision released Jun 22, 2023

Area

Immigration