Document: 429 U.S. 24 97 S.Ct. 200 50 L.Ed.2d 190 IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICEv.Norma Andalis BAGAMASBAD. No. 75-1666. Nov. 1, 1976. PER CURIAM. 1 Respondent, an alien who had overstayed her tourist visa by four years, applied to have status adjusted that of permanent resident pursuant 8 U.S.C. § 1255(a). That section authorizes the Attorney General in his discretion change is physically present United States a resident, but only if, among other things, would be eligible for immigrant and admissible into as resident.* The District Director Immigration Naturalization Service (INS) denied respondent's application matter because she made serious misrepresentations consul issued visa. For same reasons, immigration judge presiding at later deportation hearing also declined exercise favor. Neither nor addressed himself whether respondent satisfied specific statutory requirements residence. Board Appeals affirmed, finding circumstances fully supported discretionary denial relief concluding "the could properly pretermit question eligibility deny . discretion." 2 A divided Court sitting en banc held although exercised application, statute required make findings reach conclusions with respect admission this country resident. 531 F.2d 111 (CA3 1976). Disagreeing we do Appeals, grant petition certiorari filed INS motion proceed forma pauperis reverse judgment Appeals. 3 (1, 2) As general rule courts agencies are not on issues decision which unnecessary results they reach. Hirabayashi v. States, 320 81, 85, 63 1375, 1378, 87 L.Ed. 1774 (1943); Silva Carter, 326 315 (CA9 1963), cert. denied, 377 917, 84 1181, 12 186 (1964); Goon Wing Wah INS, 386 292 (CA1 1967); De Lucia 370 305, 308 (CA7 1966), 912, 861, 17 784 (1967). Here, it conceded been or requirements. In these circumstances, absent express requirement, see no reason depart from require arrive purely advisory eligibility. 4 arriving its contrary conclusion, relied dictum Jay Boyd, 351 345, 76 919, 100 1242 (1956), involved similar provision, 1254(a), authorizing if certain met. course affirming relief, indicated entitled applicant ruling But statement followed reference regulations then expressly determination each case. 352-353, 923. These superseded, regulation applicable case has such requirement. CFR 242.18(a) (1976). 5 (3) thought advisable making 1255(a) proceedings foreclose possibility whom might apply mistakenly construe judge's ineligibility binding consul. basis action must set forth writing under Where, here, discretionary, will clear any made. free give their appropriate weight, any, Cartier Secretary State, 165 U.S.App.D.C. 130, 137, 506 191, 198 (1974), 421 947, 95 1677, 44 101 (1975); Talavera Pederson, 334 52, 57 (CA6 1964), own legal 6 reversed. 7 So ordered. * provides: "The alien, than crewman, was inspected admitted paroled may General, he prescribe, lawfully residence (1) makes adjustment, (2) receive residence, immediately available him time approved." (Emphasis added.) If adjustment leaves country, deported Title enacted so aliens inevitably leave order obtain permanent-resident status.

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