Document: 547 U.S. 183 (2006) GONZALES, ATTORNEY GENERAL v. THOMAS et al. No. 05-552. Supreme Court of United States. Decided April 17, 2006. PER CURIAM. The Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Attorney General to grant an alien asylum if cannot *184 return another country because "persecution or a wellfounded fear persecution on account race, religion, nationality, membership in particular social group, political opinion." § 101(a)(42)(A), as added, 201, 94 Stat. 102, 8 C. 1101(a)(42)(A) (emphasis added). respondents, Michelle Thomas her immediate family, applied for asylum. They checked boxes application form that indicated their claim rested upon native South Africa (1) "political opinion[s]," (2) "membership group." In proceedings before Judge, they emphasized race (they are white) kinship with Michelle's father-in-law, "Boss Ronnie," white African who allegedly held racist views mistreated black workers at company which he was foreman. focusing questions views, rejected claim. And Board Appeals (BIA), responding Thomases' primarily race-related arguments, summarily affirmed decision. On review, Ninth Circuit panel by 2-to-1 vote BIA had not adequately considered relatives Boss Ronnie." Ashcroft, 359 F.3d 1169, 1177 (2004). took matter en banc. banc court, overruling what it aberrant contrary precedent, unanimously principle "a family may constitute group purposes refugee statutes." 409 1177, 1187 (2005) added) (overruling, inter alia, Estrada-Posadas INS, 924 F.2d 916 (CA9 1991)). so doing, court relied earlier opinions holding certain "kinship ties" fall within statutory term. See F.3d, 1180, 1184-1186. then went hold, over dissent four judges, issue, namely "`persons *185 related Ronnie,'" fell scope term "particular group" "Thomases were attacked threatened belong `persons Ronnie' . ." Id., 1189. dissenting judges argued question "whether Thomases `particular group'" should first be relevant administrative agency. 1193 (opinion Rymer, J.) original). said majority's decision inconsistent this Court's INS Orlando Ventura, 537 12, 18 (2002) (per curiam). Solicitor now asks us certiorari consider whether "erred holding, instance without prior resolution the" agency, "that members can do group,' meaning of" Act. Pet. Cert. I. He argues court's role immigration case is typically one "`review, view.'" 29 (quoting Cutter Wilkinson, 544 709, 718, n. 7 (2005)). adds clearly violates described Ventura "`ordinary "remand" rule.'" 15 supra, 18). concludes "the Circuit's error obvious light summary reversal would appropriate." 29. We agree General. failure remand legally erroneous, "obvious Ventura," itself reversal. sought grounds reasonable "persecution" Guatemala "`on [a] opinion.'" U.S., 13. did qualify whatever faced when left 1993 "`political Ibid. reversed, record showed *186 indeed face politically based Guatemala. Government's alternative argumentthat, any event, conditions improved point no longer likely. "`changed circumstances'" giving agency opportunity matter. 14. reversed summarily. pointed out "[w]ithin broad limits law entrusts make basic eligibility decision." 16. "In such circumstances," we "`judicial judgment made service judgment.'" SEC Chenery Corp., 318 80, 88 (1943)). "A appeals `is generally empowered conduct de novo inquiry into being reviewed reach its own conclusions inquiry.'" 16 Florida Power & Light Co. Lorion, 470 729, 744 (1985)). "Rather, `the proper course, except rare circumstances, additional investigation explanation.'" Co., 744; citing 332 194, 196 (1947)). Applying these "basic legal principles," concluded "every consideration classically supports law's ordinary requirement does here." U. S., 16, 17. must same conclusion present case. has yet Ronnie's presents kind requires determining facts deciding found Ventura: "The bring expertise bear matter; evaluate evidence; initial determination; and, doing so, can, through informed *187 discussion analysis, help later determine exceeds leeway provides." find special circumstance here might have justified determination instance. Thus, "ordinary `remand' rule." 18. petition certiorari. vacate Appeals. further consistent opinion. It ordered.

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