Document: 430 U.S. 787 97 S.Ct. 1473 52 L.Ed.2d 50 Ramon Martin FIALLO, etc., et al., Appellants,v.Griffin B. BELL, Individually and as Attorney General of the United States, al. No. 75-6297. Argued Dec. 7, 1976. Decided April 26, 1977. Syllabus Sections 101(b)(1)(D) 101(b)(2) Immigration Nationality Act 1952, which have effect excluding relationship between an illegitimate child his natural father (as opposed to mother) from special preference immigration status accorded by "child" or "parent" a States citizen lawful permanent resident, held not be unconstitutional. Pp. 792-800. (a) This Court's cases "have long recognized power expel exclude aliens fundamental sovereign attribute exercised Government's political departments largely immune judicial control," Shaughnessy v. Mezei, 345 206, 210, 73 625, 628, L.Ed. 956; see also Kleindienst Mandel, 408 753, 92 2576, 33 683; Harisiades Shaughnessy, 342 580, 588-589, 72 512, 518-519, 96 586, no factors exist in instant case warranting more searching scrutiny than has generally been applied cases. 792-796. (b) In enacting challenged statutory provisions Congress was specifically concerned with clarifying previous law so that relation mother would same legitimate child, legislative history those reflects intentional choice provide preferential virtue father. The distinction is one many (such based on age) drawn pursuant its determination some but all families relief various restrictions otherwise hinder reunification family this country. decision where draw line policy question within Congress' exclusive province. 797-798. (c) Whether warranted for children their fathers results perceived absence most close ties concern serious problems proof usually lurk paternity determinations, it courts probe test justifications decision. supra, at 770, 2585. 798-799. 406 F.Supp. 162, affirmed. Janet M. Calvo, New York City, appellants, pro hac vice, leave Court. Harold R. Tyler, Jr., appellees. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion 1 brings before us constitutional challenge §§ 1952 (Act), 66 Stat. 182, amended, 8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(D) 1101(b)(2). 2 * grants who qualify "children" "parents" citizens residents. Under § 101(b)(1), defined unmarried person under 21 years age legitimated stepchild, adopted seeking mother.1 definition does extend Moreover, 101(b)(2), qualifies purposes solely basis person's "child." As result, either resident alien entitled treatment "parent." 3 provided satisfy "parent-child" depends whether immigrant's relative alien. A allowed entry without regard applicable numerical quota labor certification requirement. 1151(a), (b), 1182(a)(14). On other hand, subject limitations 1182(a)(14); C. Gordon & H. Rosenfield, Law Procedure 2.40 n. 18 (rev. ed. 1975).2 4 Appellants are three sets unwed offspring sought, parent. each instance applicant informed he ineligible immigrant visa unless qualified admission general and, parents, received requisite certification.3 5 filed action July 1974 District Court Eastern challenging constitutionality 101(b)(1) First, Fifth, Ninth Amendments. alleged (i) denied them equal protection discriminating against "on father's marital status, illegitimacy sex parent compelling rational justification"; (ii) due process extent there established "an unwarranted conclusive presumption strong psychological economic born out wedlock legitimated"; (iii) "seriously burden(ed) infringe(d) upon rights children, legitimated, mutual association, privacy, establish home, raise raised father." App. 11-12. sought enjoin permanently enforcement statute precluded qualifying "children." 6 three-judge convened consider issues. After noting fashion rules "exceptionally broad," held, judge dissenting, issue were neither "wholly devoid any conceivable purpose" nor "fundamentally aimed achieving goal unrelated regulation immigration". Fiallo Levi, 165, 166 (D.C.N.Y. 1975). court therefore granted judgment Government dismissed action. 7 We noted probable jurisdiction sub nom. 426 919, 2622, 49 371 (1976), reasons set forth below we affirm. II At outset, important underscore limited scope inquiry into legislation. repeatedly emphasized "over complete over" aliens. Oceanic Navigation Co. Stranahan, 214 320, 339, 29 671, 676, 53 1013 (1909); accord, 766, 2583, 683 (1972). Our control." 956 (1953); see, e. g., 586 (1952); Lem Moon Sing 158 538, 15 967, 39 1082 (1895); Fong Yue Ting 149 698, 13 1016, 37 905 (1893); Chinese Exclusion Case, 130 581, 9 623, 32 1068 (1889). recent decisions departed long-established rule. Just last Term, example, had occasion note "the over character only narrow review." Hampton Mow Sun Wong, 88, 101 21, 1895, 1904-1905, 48 495 citing 713, S.Ct., 1022; Mathews Diaz, 67, 81-82, 1883, 1892, 478 (1976). And observed recently exercise broad naturalization, "Congress regularly makes unacceptable if citizens." Id., 80, 1891.4 apparently do need deference congressional choices context,5 instead suggest "unique coalescing factors" sufficiently unlike prior warrant scrutiny. Brief 52-55. first observe since designed reunite wherever possible, purpose afford legal then rely our border-search Almeida-Sanchez 413 266, 93 2535, 596 (1973), Brignoni-Ponce, 422 873, 95 2574, 45 607 (1975), proposition must scrutinize legislation area protect violations citizens. cases, however, nature protections mandated Fourth Amendment respect procedures stem illegal Nothing opinions suggests anything exceptionally determine classes may lawfully enter See U.S., 272, 2539; 883-884, 2581-2582. 10 second distinguishing factor. They argue none involved "double-barreled" discrimination illegitimacy, infringed residents, implicated interests residents familial relationship." 53-54; id., 16-18. But resolved similar challenges citizens, rejected suggestion required. deny who, proponent economic, international, governmental doctrines World communism", receive 1182(a)(28)(D) absent waiver General. citizen-appellees conceded could prohibit falling class 1182(a)(28)(D). contended, General's discretion approve Constitution First abridged denial Mandel's request visa. "when Executive exercises (delegated) negatively facially bona fide reason, will look behind discretion, balancing justification seek personal communication applicant." can reason review here exacting standard case.6 Finally, appellants characterize involving foreign matters groups "specifically clearly pose grave threat national security," (1952), "or welfare country," Boutilier INS, 387 118, 87 1563, 661 (1967). 54. find indication function issue. To contrary, "(s)ince these implicate relations powers, wide variety classifications light changing circumstances, such frequently appropriate Legislature Judiciary," "(t)he preclude questions dictate made President naturalization." 1892. 518-519. Frankfurter concurrence : 11 "The conditions every alien, particular shall altogether, determining classification, right terminate hospitality aliens, grounds based, responsibility wholly outside 596-597, 522. III 12 originally enacted stepchild age. Board Appeals subsequently concluded failure refer rendered nonquota both mother, Matter A, I. N.Dec. 283-284 (A.G.1953), wedlock, F, 448 (B.I.A.1957). recommended matter brought attention Congress, 284, amended 1957 include what now 1101(b)(1)(D). 1, supra. her amendment father.7 just addition here, decided not, cannot they married 1101(b)(1). Legitimated legitimation occurred 18th birthday time when custody legitimating parents. 1101(b)(1)(C). Adopted 14 thereafter lived adopting parents least two years, 1101(b)(1)(E). stepchildren marriage creating relationship. 1101(b)(1)(B). With distinctions, argued should different point definitions share ties. Cf. 83-84, 1893. clear Part II, entrusted exclusively branches Government, authority substitute Congress. unconstitutional infringes furthering interests. difficult reunited country mothers. fails procedure prove existence strength Those admittedly consequences accord nonetheless remains "solely 597, 522 (Frankfurter, J., concurring). obviously determined fathers, perhaps because well determinations.8 Trimble Gordon, 762, 771, 1459, 1465-1466, 31. event, role sort decision.9 IV 16 hold exclusion preferences resident. 17 Affirmed. MARSHALL, whom BRENNAN joins, dissenting. 19 Until today I thought benefits others, duty insure comports Fifth principles protection. Today, appears among however invidious irrational, tolerated occurs context laws. Since agree license according disfavored criteria simply involved, dissent. 20 (INA), 1101 seq., establishes terms States. Among conditions, requires come restrictive certain requirements. INA 201, 202, 212(a)(14), 1151, 1152, 1182(a)(14) (1976 ed.), Amendments 1976, 90 2703 (hereinafter 1976 Amendments). recognition fact requirements separate families, American petition waived immediate spouse, children. 201(a), 1182(a)(14).1 privilege statute's definitions. whose behalf biological mother. 1101(b)(1).2 individual's 101(b)(1). 1101(b)(2).3 cover virtually parent-child relationships except father-illegitimate child. Thus while bring requirement, Similarly, quota. Illegitimate fathers. 22 unfortunate omissions graphically illustrated appellant Cleophus Warner.4 Warner naturalized 1154,5 petitioned son Serge, French West Indies. Despite acknowledged registered Serge's shortly after birth, name birth certificate, supported maintained Serge dispensation statute. It that, concedes, Tr. Oral Arg. 25-26, abandoned has, marrying another man, impossible, Indies law, Warner's ever Serge. 23 contends review. Pointing immigrate recognize policies pertaining remain peculiarly conduct government, concludes valuable . concern." Appellees 22. 24 rightly rejects expansive claim recognizes "(o)ur reflect acceptance even regulate aliens." Ante, 793 5. points out, circumscribed. "broad country" judgments deference. 794-796. 25 wholeheartedly rejection unreviewable discretion. Indeed, 781, 2591, (1972) (dissenting opinion), old absolute "hands-off" approach "are strongest precedents Reports." am pleased reveal once again "reluctance completely." Ibid. quarrel principle essentially foreigners deserve judiciary. 26 My disagreement arises application case. majority purports require turns completely "toothless." 767, 1463. observing effects concludes: "(B)ut 'solely control.' " 799. Such "review" deference; abdication.6 Assuming, arguendo, might situations supposition accept particularly inappropriate 27 case, Court, directly involves "(C)oncerned problem keeping immigrants united", H.R.Rep. 1199, 85th Cong., 1st Sess., (1957), Code Cong. Admin.News 1957, p. 2020, extended choose families. focus hardships occasioned given citizen, 1154.7 If "immediate relative" despite relationship, preference. 1153(d). irrelevant Americans compel essential did privileges small When draws lines comport process. simple insulate abridgment citizens' 28 responds "implicated," refused engage required Therefore, argues, here. Belgian "revolutionary Marxist," visit prohibition visas "(a)liens advocate communism." waiver, suit Mandel several claimed hear denial. Rejecting contention "unfettered (for denying waiver) given", upheld finding "legitimate fide" abuses visit. 769, time, chose closely accepted weighing interest. feared becoming embroiled "dangerous undesirable" task considering, projected number people wishing speak probity ideas. Whatever merits fears cf. 774, 2587 (Marshall, dissenting), present distinguishable respects. focused relief. Rather, "undesirables." impact incidental unavoidable consequence judgment. presents qualitatively situation. Here, rights, doing, deliberately chose, concerns threats security, traditionally discrimination.8 Second, appellees ability enact broadly prohibiting beliefs.9 Their directed waive prohibition. contrast, asked traditional reviewing validity face. Totally specter second-guessing countless individual determinations alien's entrance. A. 30 Once escape legislation, result foreordained. One hardly imagine vulnerable 31 gender legitimacy. Fathers obtain preferred children; mothers can. Conversely, legitimate, step-, little tolerance form discrimination. gender-based "serve objectives substantially related achievement objectives." Califano Webster, 313, 317, 1192, 1194, 51 360; Goldfarb, 199, 210-211, 1021, 1028-1029, 270; Craig Boren, 429 190, 197, 451, 457, 397 (1976); Weinberger Wiesenfeld, 420 636, 1225, 43 514 (1975); Stanton Stanton, 421 1373, 688 Taylor Louisiana, 419 522, 692, 42 690 Frontiero Richardson, 411 677, 1764, 36 583 (1973); Reed Reed, 404 71, 251, 225 (1971). similarly hostile illegitimates beneficence, "illogical unjust" deprive "simply mother." Gomez Perez, 409 535, 872, 875, 35 56 (1973). 31; Jimenez Weinberger, 417 94 2496, 41 363 (1974); Beaty F.2d 300 (CA5 1973), summarily aff'd, 418 901, 3190, 1150 Jersey Welfare Rights Org. Cahill, 619, 1700, 543 Weber Aetna Casualty Surety Co., 164, 1400, 768 (1972); Davis 588 (D.C.Conn., 1972), 1069, 678, 34 659 Griffin 346 1226 (D.C.Md.), 689, 660 Glona Guarantee Liability Ins. 391 73, 88 1515, 441 (1968); Levy 68, 1509, 436 Lucas, 427 495, 2755, 651 Labine Vincent, 401 532, 91 1017, 288 make attack. interferes "freedom life". Cleveland Education LaFleur, 414 632, 639-640, 791, 796, Roe Wade, 410 133, 152-153, 705, 726-727, 147 Wisconsin Yoder, 205, 231-233, 1526, 1541-1542, Stanley Illinois, 405 645, 651, 1208, 1212-1213, 551 Ginsberg York, 390 629, 639, 1274, 1280, 195 Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 85 1678, 510 (1965); 495-496, 1687-1688 (Goldberg, concurring); 502-503, 1691-1692 (White, Poe Ullman, 367 497, 542-544, 549-553, 81 1752, 1776-1777, 1780-1782, 989 (Harlan, dissenting). live together belongs seeks entrance in. "It less cared male rather female. father, constitutionally protected 'companionship, care, custody, management' 'the sired .' 1212, (1972)." 652, 1235. view legislation's classes, whatever verbal formula, bears substantial burden justify B There dispute reunify separated itself declared indicates intended (in provisions) liberal united." U.S.Code 2020. illegitimate-child-mother alleviate found 7-8. Accord, S.Rep. 1057, (1957). history, gives why absolutely fathers.10 believed "such persons unlikely offspring." 17. so, chosen shorthand "closeness" overinclusive. No adoptive mother-illegitimate yet status. dramatic illustration overinclusiveness never deemed nevertheless, marry, wife stepparent, obtain. Andrade Esperdy, 270 516 (S.D.N.Y. 1967); Nation 239 531 1965).11 man adulterous affair, stepparent. Stultz, N. —- (1975). That underinclusive undisputed. 17; 21. exhibited appellants' 169, 1403; numerous studies.12 38 inaccurate considered case-by-case assessment closeness worth administrative costs. attempted plainly inadequate. expressed low use "administrative convenience" rationale interfering care "Procedure always cheaper easier individualized determination. when, forecloses determinative issues competence explicitly disdains realities past formalities, needlessly risks running roughshod stand." 656-657, 1215. 40 equally intolerant used While sensitive lurking paternity,' 1466, quoting careful allow 'made impenetrable barrier works shield discrimination.' Trimble, 1466. require, minimum, (be) 'carefully tuned alternative considerations' ", 772, 513, 2766, involve difficulties proof. Given hostility administrative-convenience argument apparent inadequate earlier, gave costs hypothesis closely. likelihood diminished considerably comprehensive elaborate already employed INS passing claims All petitions handled petitioner bearing stranger requiring paternity. When, stepmother husband's she necessarily husband child's father.13 ironic marries will, fact, step complex paternity, marriage. Nevertheless, opportunity facts; not. Nor fear involvement laws records persuasive explanation omission. administering critical steps undertaken adequate local render become expert matters.14 note, connection, legitimate,15 identical 44 expertise, indeed give much weight hypothesized rationale. previously, discrimination." Gomez, 875. facts conclusively demonstrate, "failed possibility middle ground extremes paternity." 770-771, 1465. classic example someone readily closeness. concede 21-22. demonstrates beyond peradventure failed tun(e) (the statute) considerations.' 2766. fatal 772-773, 1466.16 invidiously selected abundantly intolerable immigration, strike down. Because condones embedded laws, 46 WHITE dissents, stated MARSHALL dissenting opinion. Section 1101(b), provides: "(1) term 'child' means twenty-one "(A) child; "(B) reached eighteen occurred; "(C) residence domicile, takes place reaches legitimation. "(D) by, through whom, privilege, benefit mother; "(E) fourteen of, resided with, years: Provided, thereafter, parentage, right, chapter. "(F) classification section 1151(b) title (§ 201(b)), orphan death disappearance abandonment desertion separation loss from, sole surviving incapable providing proper admitted writing irrevocably released emigration adoption; abroad spouse personally saw during adoption proceedings; coming complied preadoption requirements, any, proposed residence: chapter." Effective January 1977, longer triggers exemption 5, 2705. amendments contain savings clause, 9, provides "shall operate affect entitlement order consideration issuance 203(a) Act, day effective date date." Appellant Fiallo, currently resides Dominican Republic Fiallo-Sone, initiated son, Consul Fiallo-Sone Fiallo. Warner, 1960 1972 Naturalization Service classify obtaining visa, evidence offspring. Trevor Wilson Earl Wilson, Arthur Jamaica. Following 1974, although rejected, Wilson. Writing Galvan Press, 347 74 737, 98 911 (1954), "much said view" places area, "were clean slate". "But slate clean. review, merely 'a page history,' whole volume. Policies government. policies, Branch procedural safeguards formulation about firmly tissues body politic aspect "We prepared deem ourselves wiser human predecessors, especially zealous protecting civil liberties Constitution, system dealing ." 530-532, 742-743. inclined reconsider five ago 2584, sections embodying "a substantive regulating (are) 15, 19-24. actions nonjusticiable. thoughtful Brother Marshall basic premise accepted. dissent grounded assumption relevant portions grant "fundamental right" "given citizen" putative immigrant. Post, 806, 808, 816. plausible certainly interest admission. fallacy rooted deeply sovereignty. Nation's admit accordance Although few, countries generous extending immigrate, sanctuary oppressed, limits necessary elements area. true provision Admin.News, pp. 2016, 1365, 82d 2d 1653, 1680 (statute implements underlying intention regarding preservation unit"). accommodate goal, "preference status" widely varying degrees kinship, identification, administration, potential fraud. inevitable "line drawing," likely others undue cost, classes. wrote ago, "(p) olicies Congress". 531, 743. say, borders, S. Rep. (1957) "to clarify enjoy child") (emphasis added); 2020 hardship fair humanitarian adjudication ") 103 Cong.Rec. 14659 (remarks Sen. Kennedy) "would would, added). inherent difficulty compounded events earlier. weight, challenged, fraudulent applications resulted drawing line. indicate distinctions considerations,' 1466 (quoting (1976)), domestic insist overbroad outdated stereotype concerning existing procedures, developed deal proving maternity, statutorily "children," easily handle addressed courts. bill introduced 94th eliminated distinction. H.R. 10993, Sess. Title 1151(a) provide: "s 1151. Numerical total admissions. "(a) Quarterly yearly limitations. "Exclusive 1101(a)(27) title, relatives specified subsection section, issued acquire residence, may, 1153(a)(7) conditionally, quarters fiscal year exceed 45,000 170,000. "(b) Immediate defined. 'immediate relatives' referred mean spouses, States: such, (Emphasis added.) changes material 1182. Excludable "Except chapter, following excluded "(14) Aliens performing skilled unskilled labor, Secretary Labor certified State (A) sufficient workers able, willing, qualified, available destined perform (B) employment adversely wages working employed. paragraph apply 1101(a)(27)(A) (other ), described 1153(a)(3) 1153(a)(6) nonpreference 1153(a) (8) title." For significance 4, infra. 1101(b)(1) 1101(b)(2) 'parent,' 'father,' 'mother' parent, exists circumstances subdivision (1) subsection." Instituting Both five-year-old Wilsons, teen-aged respective removed exemptions requirement relationships, nevertheless moot. saving clause providing: 9. recur, plight, unfortunately, repeated. file so-called Form I-130 text accompanying infra, description procedure. modest degree discussion 807-808. failure, submit, pass III, 1154(a), "(a)ny claiming classification." 1154(b) prescribes filed: Investigation; consultation; approval; authorization "After investigation consultation shall, determines eligible forward copy thereof Department State. authorize consular officer status." 1153(d) precludes granting "until authorized 1154". ante, 795 6, my position "persuasive." attempts show inaccurate. effort, doomed. way avoid agrees, separating ignores, 806-807. noted: "(Appellees) blanket 212(a)(28)(D) (G)(v), override decision." 2584. 779 2590 alert danger, along legitimacy lines, very "habit, analysis actual reflection," 222, 1035 (Stevens, concurring), led assume (INS) add gloss, requiring, illegitimate, indicia "close unit." Harris, (1970). phrase know includes situation stepmother, The, 449 (1965), excludes supra; Amado Monteiro, 179 (1969); Soares, 653 Morris, 537 (1966). interpretation added gloss. categorize "stepmother." 1967). Chaskel, Changing Patterns Services Unmarried Parents, Social Casework Mother: Is She Different? Child 65, (1967); Herzog, Some Notes About Fathers, 194 (April 1966); Knight, Conferences Pregnant Unwed Teen-Agers, 65 Journal Nursing 123, 126 Sauber, Role Father, Review (Nov.1966); Wessel, Physician Looks (1968). easiest certificate names Problems: Hearings 10993 Subcommittee Immigration, Citizenship, International House Committee Judiciary, 150-151, 154 (1975-1976). Alternatively, obtains affidavits familiar looks school documents considers support. relies exist, "alternative normally cumbersome consuming regarded officers reliable eliminating paternal 151. variations many. accomplished Blancaflor, (1973) (Philippines); (Portugal); W, 223 (1961) (Surinam); J, 246 (British Guiana); C, 597 (1962) (Spain); decree, J Y, 657 (1949); Duncan, (I. D. 2373, 1975) (Liberia); formal recognition, K, (1958) (Poland); Jancar, 365 (1965) (Yugoslavia); G, 518 (Hungary); Peters, 691 (1966) (Virgin Islands); Sinclair, 613 (1970) (Panama); Kubicka, 303 Coker, 521 (1974) (Nigeria); Kim, 561 (Korea). Lo, 379 (People's China). See, arbitrarily legitimacy, Sugarman Dougall, 634, 2842, 853 Graham 403 365, 1848, 534 (1971), meet Amendments,

Category: 1