Legal Document

74 United States Supreme Court Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 12 103 Reporter 281 459 U.S. 14 IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICEv.Horacio Ramos MIRANDA. Number 82-29. Nov. 8, 1982. PER CURIAM. 1 Respondent Horacio Miranda, a citizen of the Philippines, entered in 1971 on temporary visitor's visa. After his visa expired, he stayed this country, eventually marrying Linda Milligan, States, May 26, 1976. Shortly thereafter, Milligan filed petition with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) respondent's behalf. She requested that be granted an immigrant as her spouse.1 simultaneously application requesting INS to adjust status permanent resident alien. Section 245(a) Nationality Act conditions granting alien immediate availability visa.2 Milligan's petition, if approved, would have satisfied condition. 2 The did not act either or for eighteen months. Following breakup marriage respondent, withdrew December 1977. At point, denied residence because had shown was immediately available him. also issued order show cause why should deported. 3 deportation hearing, respondent conceded deportability but renewed Milligan. Although ended, claimed previous sufficient support application. immigration judge rejected claim, concluding necessary condition Since withdrawn before acted it, ineligible status. 4 appealed decision Board Appeals. For first time, raised claim estopped from denying its "unreasonable delay." He argued "failure only unreasonable, unfair unjust abuse governmental process delay deliberate." Record 44. claim. It found "no evidence any 'affirmative misconduct' " no basis equitable estoppel. 4. 5 sought review Board's Appeals Ninth Circuit. reversed, holding "(t)he unexplained failure eighteen-month period prior petitioner's withdrawal ... affirmative misconduct by INS." Miranda versus INS, 638 Federal Reporter, 2nd 83, 84 (CA9 1980). We certiorari, vacated judgment Appeals, remanded case further consideration light Schweiker Hansen, 450 785, 101 1468, 67 685 (1981). See 454 808, 102 81, 70 77 6 On remand, adhered earlier decision. 673 1105 1982) (per curiam). Hansen inapplicable three reasons. First, Government's conduct risen level misconduct. In case, however, established INS's processing Second, although private party subsequently been able correct error, error here inflicted irrevocable harm respondent. Finally, unlike who recover public treasury, seeking become resident-a result entail burden fisc. determined "that Court's conclusion government neither compels nor suggests same here." Id., at 1106. 7 we consider whether estoppel will lie against Government when there is official's misstatement applicant federal insurance benefits, less than misconduct, justify allowing collect retroactive benefits treasury. U.S., 788-789, S.Ct., 1470-1471. involved context observed "(i)n two cases involving denial citizenship, has declined decide even estop involved." 788, 1470. 8 thus correctly considered whether, initial matter, showing Hibi, 414 5, 8-9, 94 19, 21-22, 38 (1973) curiam); Montana Kennedy, 366 308, 314-315, 81 1336, 1340-1341, 313 (1961). Hibi indicate, erred determining Montana, official incorrectly informed mother she unable return pregnant. "falls far short such might prevent relying foreign birth" him citizenship. 1340-1341. Congress exempted aliens serving Armed Forces certain requirements normally imposed persons naturalization. publicize fully rights accorded make authorized naturalization representative outside rejecting untimely 21-22. 9 Unlike where clear, failed fulfill duty best questionable. indication negligence length time took indeed long, cannot say absence contrary unwarranted.3 Cf. Citizens Preserve Overton Park, Incorporated Volpe, 401 402, 415, 91 814, 823, 28 136 (1971) (presumption regularity supports officer); Chemical Foundation, 272 1, 14-15, 47 6, 71 L.Ed. 131 (1926) (same). Both number applications received need investigate their validity may it difficult agency promptly desirable.4 Even arguably negligent acting more expeditiously, significantly different Hibi. Nor different. clear enforcing residency country. 10 final distinction drawn between unpersuasive. true relied line claims But potential An increasingly important interest, implicating matters broad concern, kind. Enforcing laws, becoming difficult. note 4, supra. Moreover, primarily charged implement policy underlying these laws. See, e.g., Wang, 139, 144-145, 1027, 1031, 123 (1981) supra, 21. Appropriate deference must decisions. 11 This does require us reach question reserved particular Proof falls establishing conduct. Accordingly, grant certiorari reverse so ordered. 13 Justice MARSHALL, dissenting. & N Dec. Decisions dissent summary reversal concedes 18-month "was long," concludes "cannot unwarranted." Ante, 18. relies presumption which says attends acts officers. Ibid. view unusual application, do agree summarily disposed convenient presumption. If believes, not, raises issue importance exercise our jurisdiction, believes oral argument dispensed with, least notify parties considering disposition, they opportunity submit briefs merits. 201(b) 1952, amended, provides admission immigrants are relatives citizens. Code KF62 § 1151(b). admitted into "may adjusted Attorney General, discretion under regulations prescribe, lawfully (1) makes adjustment, (2) eligible receive admissible residence, (3) filed." 1255(a). maintained consistently reasonable marriage. Because initially appeal, were develop factual record issue. 1976, year behalf some 206,319 relative petitions filed. 1976 Annual Report: 11. noted dealing petitions, inordinate amount fraud, particularly relation marriages, uncovered.... fee, partners provided marriages contracted establish eligibility statutes issuance benefits." discount careful investigation demand.

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