Green Card Ruling

The Supreme Court sided 6-3 with the Trump administration in Blanche v. Lau, ruling that immigration officials do not need clear and convincing evidence before treating some green card holders accused of crimes as applicants for admission. The case arose from Muk Choi Lau, a Chinese lawful permanent resident who was charged with trademark counterfeiting and placed on immigration parole when he returned to the United States in 2012. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority that border officials may make quick admissibility judgments under immigration law, while the decision rejected a higher evidentiary standard adopted by the 2nd Circuit. The ruling strengthens federal authority over lawful permanent residents at the border and could make it easier to place those accused of crimes involving moral turpitude into removal proceedings.