Document: 436 U.S. 748 98 S.Ct. 2081 56 L.Ed.2d 677 Joseph V. AGOSTO, Petitioner,v.IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE. No. 76-1410. Argued Feb. 28, 1978. Decided June 6, Syllabus The Immigration and Naturalization Service brought proceedings to deport petitioner as an alien who had unlawfully entered the United States. At a series of hearings before Judge, INS presented documentary evidence that was born in Italy 1927 unknown parents, placed foundling home there, ultimately adopted by Italian couple. Petitioner several other witnesses testified he Ohio mother sent at early age reside with above Rejecting petitioner's evidence, Judge issued deportation order, Board Appeals affirmed. then petitioned Court for review Board's decision, claiming entitled de novo hearing District pursuant § 106(a)(5)(B) Nationality Act, which provides whenever seeking order claims be States citizen makes showing his claim is not frivolous, court appeals, if it finds "a genuine issue material fact nationality presented," must transfer district claim. refused case affirmed apparently holding obtain required Kessler v. Strecker, 307 22, 59 694, 83 L.Ed. 1082, present "substantial evidence" support citizenship failed do o. Held: 1. Appeals' extent holds only where presents substantial citizenship, contrary plain language clear meaning 106(a)(5)(B), there nothing legislative history indicate Congress intended require judicial determination when such determinations would compelled standard. Pp. 752-757. (a) Although satisfy any constitutional requirements relating claims, statute clearly does restrict cases test met. Rather than incorporating statute, chose fact," thus same standard governs summary judgment motions under Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 56. 753-755. (b) Since principles control, follows appeals cannot refuse allow supporting suffice entitle litigant trial were opposition motion judgment. 756-757. 2. Applying appropriate record this case, apparent erred hearing. While INS's suffice, uncontradicted, establish birth Italy, refuted witnesses' testimony accepted trier fact. Hence on question citizenship. 757-761. 549 F.2d 806, reversed remanded. Robert S. Bixby, San Francisco, Cal., petitioner. Marion L. Jetton, Washington, D. C., respondent. Mr. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 decision whether petitioner, Agosto, has made sufficient him 8 U.S.C. 1105a(a)(5)(B) (1976 ed.). 2 * In 1967, began against issuance show-cause charging deportable App. 4-6. opposed deportation, country therefore subject deportation. Over course years, held Judge,1 effort show from himself aforementioned 3 April 1973, challenged here, rejecting tendered 23-59. It noted that, "[i]f believed, [petitioner's witnesses] refutes Service's otherwise strong demonstration [petitioner's] alienage" "[i]t beyond realm possibility legitimate." Pet. Cert. viii. nevertheless Judge's credibility found "Service's alienage clear, convincing unequivocal." Id., xi. 4 Agosto Ninth Circuit 106 claimed 106(a)(5), determine citizen. Section 106(a)(5) "claims national frivolous," presented." When no presented, authority "pass upon issues presented."2 5 Appeals, one judge dissenting, claim, order. i; affirmance 806. "[t]he immigration disclose colorable nationality." Pet, ii. Further, concluded so. Ibid. dissenting judge, while acknowledging factfinder she have credited testimony, stated "I believe our legally assigned role includes credibility, and, basis, I am unable sa American citizenship." 6 We granted certiorari, 434 901, 294, 54 187 (1977), consider proper construction we now reverse. II 7 1961, enacted 1105a ed.), "to create single, separate, statutory form administrative orders . aliens States." H.R.Rep.No.1086, 87th Cong., 1st Sess., 22 (1961), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News pp. 2950, 2966.3 This provision eliminated 10 Administrative Procedure 702 replaced direct courts based record. carved out class cases, however, available: person carving aware past decisions Constitution requires some proceedings. See supra, 29; H.R.Rep.No.565, 15 (1961). Ng Fung Ho White, 259 276, 284, 42 492, 495, 66 938 (1922), observed: 9 "Jurisdiction executive exists arrested alien. To citizen, obviously deprives liberty, [and] may result also loss both property life; or all life worth living." resident right supported "by sufficient, [him] finding 282, S.Ct., 494. ex rel. Bilokumsky Tod, 263 149, 152-153, 44 54, 55-56, 68 221 (1923). 34-35, 700, 1082 (1939), reaffirmed indicated dictum 11 instant below supra ; implicitly been incorporated into 106(a)(5)(B). disagree. a)(5) specific easily could done, instead fact"—a different but familiar substantial-evidence standard.4 12 virtually identical embodied 56, motions. Under Rule litigants opposing "genuine fact." reasonably assume using granting interpreted similarly " '[W]here words are employed time well-known common law they presumed used sense unless context compels contrary.' Lorillard Pons, 575, 583, 866, 871, 55 40 (1978), quoting Standard Oil States, 1, 59, 31 502, 515, 619 (1911). citizenship,5 statute.6 13 Nor anything references suggesting itself "substantial," these statements amenable interpretation provided. See, e. g., 5. enacting sought "expedite undesirable preventing successive dilatory various federal courts," Foti INS, 375 217, 226, 84 306, 312, 281 (1963), concern hardly justifies assumption impose steep hurdle claims. None abuses catalogued Committee Reports related 7-13. Rather, primarily concerned filing repetitive petitions frivolous impropriety proceedings.7 23, 33; 107 Cong.Rec. 19650 (1961) (remarks Sen. Eastland); 105 12724 (1959) Rep. Walter). 14 controlling More specifically, just generally grant its assessment see Poller Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., 368 464, 467-468, 82 486, 488, 458 (1962); J. Moore, Federal Practice ¶ 56.02[10], p. 56-45 (2d ed. 1976), so too liberty deny individual because court's Pignatello Attorney General 350 719, 723 (CA2 1965). Particularly consists live concerning factual issues, will seldom ever hearing, since cross-examination their weight given can appraised." 473, 491. III proof certainly Agrigento, July 1927. However, adduced creates issue[s] fact" resolved 16 acknowledges pertains him. entry City Agrigento registry births 75-year-old handywoman appeared registrar declared "at 4:00 a. m. 17th day [July] house situated Via Oblati, woman want named, male child born, me whom gives first name Vincenzo surname Di Paola." Record 667. city indicates home. addition, home's Paola 16, 1927, consigned Crocifessa Porello, adoptive wife Pietro Pianetti, father, August 26, last piece translation baptized 18, 17 records regarding request maternal grandfather hide true facts illegitimate Petitioner's consisted own Crocifissa alleged half brother, Carmen Ripolino. 18 According Pianettis, son Pianetti's sister, Angela left her husband two daughters 1921 move cousin Giacomo Through correspondence Angela, Pianettis learned about 1925 father Salvatore least children, including them Angela's parents care Ohio. never home, documents created grandson.8 19 Ripolino corroborated important respects. He told half-sisters half-brother mother. admitted having independent knowledge brother Porello gave relatives. 20 partially consistent witnesses. Because possessed certificate belonging Cleveland 1921, allegedly another relative between 1948 1950, maintained Carmela Todaro.9 actually issued, until sometime after received it. mother's lived coming small boy. acknowledged known names times. 21 There doubt story consistently throughout attempted relying possible shred evidence. stories courts.10 But noteworthy starting certain parental origins, Porello. And, obvious confusion uncertainty surrounding circumstances (under either theory petitioner), surprising say degree certainty might been. need decide standing alone, inherently incredible light internal inconsistencies justify denial three whose story, highly unusual, rejected matter law. Their disputed subsequent upbringing most respects more unusual unchallenged aspects family's relations.11 accept mid-1920s; Italy; native town falsified prevent public daughter still permitting members family raise child.12 These events, ordinary, extraordinary compel disbelief occurrence. Even 23 submitted fact, ibid., plainly reject interest outcome, committed Act appeals. remanded opinion. 24 Reversed 25 POWELL, REHNQUIST joins, dissenting. 26 today construed way rewards falsehood frustrates justice. 106(a) 1105a(a) 1961 part general revision provisions governing orders. designed repetitious litigation "dilatory tactics" forestall eliminating instances decisions. 224-225, 311-312, (1963).1 27 rule leaves matters largely proceedings, ensure "reasonable, substantial, probative considered whole." 1105a(a)(4) quoted ante, 751-752 n. 2, narrow exception proceeding involves proceeding, reviewing refer claimant clears hurdles: "frivolous," resolution turns As Court's opinion, model artful draftsmanship. so, unnecessary construe response asserted turning questions "credibility," however farfetched. 28 less deserving further one. ex-convict, convicted crimes involving moral turpitude. five respect nationality, inventing new fabrications meet served purposes. 759 10. No believed stories. Yet proved master exploiting safeguards vindicate bona fide—not specious—claims totally intent 106(a), "growing frequency actions being instituted legal basis merit, solely purpose delaying indefinitely country." 22-23 2967. putting end abuse generous procedures, concludes transparently false none numerous judges passed believes 29 named recent w fraudulent 1966, purporting passport Agosto. Cleveland, Ohio, assigning dates Agosto; years old; natural sister husband, later "affiliated" name; returned 1951 1952. identity. If "Agosto" rather "Pianetti," During commenced single official Italian-born Pianetti. 30 protracted. On September 5, notice A full Judge. introduced demonstrating taken entrusted Pianettis. 757. demonstrated married 1944 Italy. conceded pertained him, really produced marriage Alaska 1953, 32 old previously married. belief entirely uncle countered died 1951, affidavit Agosto's falsely identity deceased brother. sustained charge "presented credible [Pianetti] Government be." 14. appeal, "without merits," contention nondeportable 241(f) 1251(f) Mary Marie Agosto.2 Following second again (not without inspection turpitude), relief 241(f). Again appealed Appeals. appeal "two Agostos," mothers. explained saying fat er's mistress legitimate recorded. declined reach merits consideration "forgiveness" 33 third 1971 witnesses, couple supposed abandoned 1924, 1921. 11, filed exhaustive concluding contradictory fabrications. characterized had, "he sixteen age, deceit, double-dealing subterfuge." 32. affirming discretionary observed "knowingly judge; knowingly inception." xii. 34 Having finally exhausted remedies, Circuit. That memorandum January 24, 1977, sayings "The nationality; nor set forth 35 [59 1082] (1939)." certiorari October 17, 1977. 187. Today hands down entitling continue 11-year saga, commencing court. 36 flaw reasoning reads threshold requirement "frivolous." muses footnote, support, 'frivolousness' refers underlying claim," 754 4, satisfied country—is frivolous. 37 Neither sheds helpful term "frivolous" purposes statute.3 well exclusive read statute. nonfrivolous maintain country, patently pass statute.4 thought every tenuous, merited review, provided dual system factfinding almost always purported naturalized theory, therefore, rarely deemed 38 normally statutes give each components. Congress' examine reason.5 And difficult find one.6 39 Assuming, arguendo, existed. today, applying courts, here "the law." Ante, 760. fallacy twofold. First, applies erroneous assumes meant import scheme, simply appear contexts. superficially appealing approach, abdicates responsibility origin purpose. lies incorrect application itself. A. requirement, enunciated supports requisite quantum 282-285, 494-495; petitioners "supported citizenship."7 U.S., 41 restated decided enactment 106(a)(5). (1923)—which, like Ho, written Brandeis—no made. observed, "[i]f, status determined judicial, distinguished executive, tribunal." 152, (citing ) (emphasis supplied). citing Bilokumsky, evidence." triggered evidentiary conclusion lower history. disregards House antedating contain repeated "substantial" "genuine" 755; 28; 13, reference nationality" immediately precedes observation articulated Ho. 43 face unequivocal intent, errs depart Kessler. compounds error places position ruling outset trial. 56(c). congruity language, 56(c), difference settings used. usual civil trial, entertained place. sustained, forecloses opportunity party finder Subject favor movant effect opponent facts. situation comparable. section elaborate p ocedure fully reviewed procedure consequently, danger denied respect, contained directed verdicts, 50, judgments.8 45 did observe behalf, ignore completely "coached testimony." viii; 41, good verdict, neither constricted governed standard, reason adopt restrictive analogy.9 46 illustrates forcefully inappropriateness analogy. appellate reviews Supreme One expect sequence reviews, concluded. Instead, launches anew, bowing substance All occurred—the entire eight proceedings—is merely prologue. starts afresh commence. free change again—and round up swear loses once more, Appeals; e file petition certiorari. additional probably take years. Meanwhile, enjoy privileges abused. B 47 analogy appropriate, today's untenable. 56(c) itself, substantiality proffered defeated. Firemen's Mutual Ins. Co. Aponaug Mfg. Co., 149 359, 362 (CA5 1945); Whitaker Coleman, 115 305, 306 1940); C. Wright Miller, 2725, 512 (1973); 56.15[4], 56-521 1976). Maroon Service, 364 982, 989 (CAS 1966). 'too reasonable minds.' "10 56-621. viewed light.11 48 record, applicable motion, relies effect, applied, necessary view totality—as contesting sets depositions containing precisely hearings. confronted significantly stories, sworn belatedly coached kinsmen, contradicted authenticated totality, defeat IV 49 However unclear intend duplicate follow demand. swearing contest even Government's predicated authenticity uncontested—then within power circumvent intention scheme minimize tactics deportabl aliens. opened wide inviting door. After hearings, permit 241(f), challenges deportable. 19-20. remand, lodged alleging adhered 677-691. eligibility produce 628-633. 23-59, iv-xiii. 1105a(a)(5) provides: "[W]henever seeks section, shall (A) appears pleadings affidavits parties presented; (B) residence originally initiated 2201 title 28. Any 1503(a) ." Prior authorization For many habeas corpus remedy challenging orders, Heikkila Barber, 345 229, 235, 73 603, 606, 97 972 (1953), 1955, declaratory injunctive Shaughnessy Pedreiro, 349 48, 75 591, 99 868. additi n existence demonstrate "frivolousness" analogous survive dismiss failure state 12(b)(6). suggested citizenship—that addition Strecker,, "colorable" "colorable." nowhere hints derivation. tell whether, use word "colorable," 106(a)(5); erroneously. Part III, infra. Courts apply trigger indicated, although variation alienage. Olvera 504 1372, 1375 1974); Rassano 377 971, (CA 1966); (CA8 key 106(c) precludes validity "has criminal grounds prior inadequate ineffective order." 1105a(c) Second, 106(a)(1) mandates six months date final 1105a(a)(1). Finally, replaces directly 752-753. chosen feast Saint Vincent. sometimes referred Arcangelo man wife, Todaro, maintained, connection suit declare lawful earlier 1944, though 1925. leniency sentencing falsification papers Housing Administration loan, permitted attorney represent convictions, example, know was, certificates, (the country) Charles Litizia. varied relationships Mrs. men departure those men, leaving behind daughters. immaterial lack materiality unflattering character suggest testify events occurred. signed write document them, implausible able notation falsified. "[B]y bill [was to] obviate primary causes delay arise proceeding." 104 17173 (1958) Walter), 225 312 11. 3, 1968, friendly executed 1944. rendered invalid validated marriage. seems 495. absent drafts H.R.Rep.No.2478, 85th 2d (1958). argue counsel us uncontested alien's statement "that [the hypothetical case] bare assertion all." Tr. Oral Arg. accustomed determining forma pauperis denials warrant dismissal, 1915(d). Whether depend case. 982 1966), alien—somewhat here—changed solid documentation offered Service. concluded: "In situation, wholly unsupported whatever, utterly inconsistent admittedly frivolous." petitioners' y Government. lawfully, foreign-born sons citizens themselves, "certificates identity." Later, officials came suspect perjury petitioners. argued authorities "real attempting aside former Brief Petitioners O. T. 176, 33. Thus depended disbelieved attempt discredit Perhaps explains "sufficient, believed" language. moves in. comparable confronting this. formulation judgments verdicts issue" rule: "Both call make basically determination—that moving prevail 2713, 407 (1973). major verdict enter latter former. Unlike typically witness account jury." 406. substitutes cited approval. 971 (CA7 1967), said citizens. They naturalization seen them. insufficient untrustworthiness testimony. conformity surely endorsed today. favorable judgment, means benefit doubts inferences trial." 510 say: "It rest place perspective. Immediately following acknowledgment demonstrably impossible, number illogical unrealistic propositions story. essence, minds; "[had]

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