Document: 353 U.S. 72 77 S.Ct. 618 1 L.Ed.2d 652 UNITED STATES of America, ex rel. Anastasios HINTOPOULOS, et ux., Petitioners,v.Edward J. SHAUGHNESSY, District Director Immigration and NaturalizationService at the Port New York. No. 205. Argued March 4, 1957. Decided 25, Mr. Jay Nicholas Long, York City, for petitioner. Maurice A. Roberts, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice HARLAN delivered opinion Court. This is a habeas corpus proceeding to test validity an order Board Appeals denying petitioners' request suspension deportation. 2 Petitioners are husband wife, both aliens. Prior 1951 worked as seamen on foreign vessels. In July wife lawfully entered United States crew member ship in port. Being pregnant, she sought medical advice; subsequently decided interest her health stay ashore. A month later, next occasion his arrived States, joined her; he also failed leave expiration limited lawful stay.1 November their child was born; is, course, American citizen by birth. January 1952 petitioners voluntarily disclosed illegal presence Service applied deportation under § 19(c) Act 1917, which provides, part: 3 'In case any alien * who deportable law has proved good moral character preceding five years, Attorney General may suspend such if not ineligible naturalization finds (a) that would result serious economic detriment or legally resident spouse, parent, minor *.'2 4 Deportation proceedings were instituted May hearing held. On undisputed facts aliens found deportable. As issue deportation, Hearing Officer, while finding eligible relief, denied request, stating follows: 5 'Both respondents have ground befall son event they deported. Both disclaim having criminal record anywhere allege been persons character. Evidence tend corroborate testimony this respect. Their only income from employment male respondent two jobs *. joint assets consist savings sum about $500 furniture other personal property value $1500. While it seem suffer economically parents should be deported, believed matter administrative discretion respondents' applications granted. They period less than one year. no relatives country each son. To grant form relief upon accident birth deprive others, patiently awaiting visas already oversubscribed quotas. It noted neither reported time until January, when filed just months after child. *' 6 The heard appeal, 18, 1954, upheld Officer's recommendation stated: 7 'It obvious infant dependent support, care maintenance. Documentary evidence establish requisite period. connection with subversive groups. 8 'As stated above, we have, instant case, family consisting illegally residing child, age one-half years. These three seamen. dependents close ties here. indicates able obtain work Greek seaman earn $85 monthly. 9 'Notwithstanding Fact these granting withholding maximum discretionary depends factors merits individual discretion. We carefully examined circumstances find warranted case. 10 thereupon moved reconsideration. 5, motion, stating: 11 'Counsel's motion sets forth matters unaware our previous decision rendered. crystal clear Congress intended greatly restrict change phraseology used Section 244(a) Nationality (of 1952) well Congressional comment provision enacted.3 indicated do question established statutory requirements 12 'Upon further review cases respondents, adhere rpevious *.' 13 Taken into custody present proceeding, alleging abused its application Court dismissed writ, 133 F.Supp. 433, Appeals, judge dissenting, affirmed, Cir., 233 F.2d 705. granted certiorari. 352 819, 53, 45. 14 think there error proceedings. correct legal standards deciding whether met prerequisites relief. But statute does contemplate all meet minimum will suspension. Suspension grace, mere eligibility; must exercised even though met.4 15 Nor can say abuse withhold reasons relied Officer Board—mainly fact had roots country—were capricious nor arbitrary. 16 urge improper standard exercising when, rehearing, took account congressional policy underlying 1952, latter being concededly inapplicable cannot agree contention. second makes still considered 1917 Act5 solely And arbitrary influenced, discretion, views manifested Act. state what guide exercise Surely unreasonable him take cognizance present-day conditions attitudes, more judge, sentencing criminal, refuse sentence because contemporary opinion, exemplified recent statutes, increased rigour offense involved. conclusion fortified provides supervision over suspensions every where six report submitted Congress, thereafter pass concurrent resolution approving then deported.6 words, approved yet us hold current policies do. 17 There error, judgment affirmed. 18 Affirmed. 19 WHITTAKER part consideration 20 DOUGLAS, whom BLACK concurs, dissenting. 21 face, seems instance 'result citizen,' those words 1917. 22 five-year-old boy born here who, therefore, entitled rights, privileges, immunities Fourteenth Amendment bestows citizen. enjoy educational, spiritual, benefits society affords unless parents. His lawabiding self-supporting. From appears members community. done anything antisocial penalize 23 seem, maintenance young home America way effectuate 24 did treat way. Instead imported prescribed Act, That led Judge Frank dissent below. 705, 709, 710. I right. Prevailing approval disapproval orders nowise affects action 25 erroneously followed irrelevant instead applicable statute, viz. Under certain crewmen permitted enter periods exceeding 29 days. See U.S.C. §§ 1281—1287, U.S.C.A. 1281—1287. (1946 ed., Supp. V) 155(c), now 1254(a). 244 1254(a), pertinent hereinafter section, may, who— '(5) physically continuous ten years proves during person character; served final whose would, General, exceptional extremely unusual hardship admitted permanent residence.' Senate Judiciary Committee states: 'The bill accordingly establishes remedy available very category unconscionable. Hardship sufficient justify S.Rep. 1137, 82d Cong., 2d Sess. 25. (Footnote original.) Kaloudis v. Shaughnessy, 180 489; Adel 183 371. Cf. Boyd, 351 345, 76 919, 100 L.Ed. 1242. clearly note 3, supra. provides: 'If suspended provisions subsection months, complete detailed statement shall reports 1st 15th day calendar session. If session reported, prior following passes substance favors cancel resolution, deport manner provided 155(c).

Category: 1