Legal Document

374 U.S. 449 83 Supreme Court Reporter 1804 10 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1000 George K. ROSENBERG, District Director, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Petitioner,v.George FLEUTI. Number 248. Argued March 26, 1963. Decided June 17, Philip R. Monahan, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Hirman W. Kwan, Los Angeles, Cal., respondent. Mr. Justice GOLDBERG delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Respondent Fleuti is a Swiss national who was originally admitted to this country permanent residence on October 9, 1952, has been here continuously since except visit 'about couple hours' duration Ensenada, Mexico, in August 1956. The which petitioner Rosenberg Angeles sought April 1959 deport respondent ground that at time his return 1956 he 'was within one or more classes aliens excludable by law existing such entry,' Nationality Act § 241(a)(1), 66 Statutes-at-Large 204, 8 Code KF62 1251(a)(1). In particular, Service alleged had 'convicted crime involving moral turpitude,' 212(a)(9), 182, 1182(a)(9), before return, reason when came back from brief trip Mexico. A deportation order issued ground, but it discovered few months later invalid, because petty offense not magnitude encompassed statute. proceedings were thereupon reopened new charge lodged against respondent: as an alien 'afflicted with psychopathic personality,' 212(a)(4), 1182(a)(4), fact homosexual. Deportation ordered Fleuti's appeal Board Appeals dismissed, whereupon brought present action declaratory judgment review administrative action. It stipulated among issues be litigated question whether 212(a)(4) 'unconstitutional being vague ambiguous.' trial court rejected respondent's contentions regard general, granted Government's motion summary judgment. On appeal, however, Ninth Circuit set aside enjoined its enforcement, holding applied unconstitutionally homosexuality sufficiently term 'psychopathic personality.' 302 Federal Reporter, 2nd 652. 2 Government petitioned certiorari, we consider constitutionality Fleuti. 371 859, 117, 9 97. Upon consideration case, accordance long-established principle 'we ought pass questions * unless adjudication unavoidable,' Spector Motor Inc., versus McLaughlin, 323 101, 105, 65 152, 154, 89 L.Ed. 101; see also Alma company Timken-Detroit Axle Co., 329 129, 67 231, 91 128; Neese Southern 350 77, 76 131, 100 60; Mackey Mendoza-Martinez, 362 384, 80 785, 4 812; have concluded there threshold issue statutory interpretation existence obviates decision constitutional 3 That afternoon constituted 'entry' meaning 101(a)(13) 167, 1101(a)(13), condition even though permanently resident nearly four years prior thereto. Section 101(a)(13), never directly construed relation kind absence characterizes case,1 reads follows: must consider, specifically, short Mexico can possibly regarded 'departure foreign port place (that) intended,' exception created Whether crucial, concededly personality' 1952 entry.2 5 definition various purposes our immigration laws evolved judicially, only becoming encased form inclusion Act. early cases developed judicial harsh consequences aliens. This viewpoint expressed most restrictively ex rel. Volpe Smith, 289 422, 53 665, 77 1468, Court, speaking through McReynolds, upheld who, after 24 following lawful entry, held 'a Cuba,' id., 423, 666. stated 'the word includes any coming into first subsequent one.' Id., 425, 667.3 Although lower courts applying 6 strict re-entry doctrine left visits Canada elsewhere numerous,4 many instances express reluctance explicit recognition consequences,5 district judges refused hold absent briefly made 'entries' upon their return.6 7 Reaction severe effects produced adherence resulted substantial inroad 1947 Second Circuit, Judge Learned Hand, allow depended alien's having re-entered taken overnight sleeper Buffalo Detroit route lying Canada. Di Pasquale Karnuth, 158 878. Hand recognized ' acquiesced whatever railroad might choose pull car,' 879, would too impute carrier's intent alien, no showing knew entering 'Were otherwise,' went on, subjected without means protecting himself forfeiture privileges may be, often are, grave importance him.' Ibid. If duty inquire about route, 'would practice become trap, whose closing them rational anything they could foresee significant. We cannot believe Congress meant subject those acquired residence, sport chance, interests stake so momentous.' Concluding, said if under circumstances, 'vested interest residence' 'be forfeited perfectly conduct supposed result sort. Caprice incidence punishment indicia tyranny, nothing disingenuous than say these circumstances punishment. well should free rid ourselves abuse hospitality; important continued enjoyment hospitality once granted, shall meaningless irrational hazards.' Later same year conflict between Del Guercio Delgadillo, 159 130 (C.A.9th Cir. 1947), certiorari latter case reversed affecting rescue intercoastal merchant ship torpedoed Caribbean during World War II, Cuba recuperate week returning country. Delgadillo Carmichael, 332 388, 68 10, 92 17. pointed out exigencies war, voluntary act,' 391, 12, put soil, adding '(w)e kidnapped Cuba, return. Respect does thrive captious interpretations.' Since '(t)he stakes are indeed high momentous here,' ibid., will attribute purpose make right remain dependent fortuitous capricious seized. hazards now asked square scheme.' 11 increased protection decision, both approval Pasquale, reflected least two lower-court decisions enactment 101(a)(13). Yukio Chai Bonham, 165 207 occurred carrying seasonal cannery work Alaska unscheduled stop Vancouver, B.C., Carmichael Delaney, 170 239 1948), wartime service Maritime stopped ports all movements assigned pursuant Navy orders.7 12 light developments included revision. As House Senate Committee Reports, relevant material quoted margin,8 clear, major congressional concern codifying status previously entered resided therein *.' direction ameliorating results visited rule supra, indicated departed rigidity (the earlier) rule,' statement bill (gives) due precedents.' recognized, course, liberalizing referred specifically indication way other legislative history what thought problem leave insignificantly periods time. Nevertheless, requires policies underlying certain aspects rights aliens, conclude Congress, approving undermining Volpe, relief decisions, limit exceptions facts cases. 13 basic guide reach eloquent language themselves, beginning 'interests stake' 'momentous,' F.2d, U.S., 12. general premise impelled conclusion 'it (our) 879. See Coupling essential principles explicitly approved enacting observation, appearing elsewhere,9 '(d) eportation equivalent banishment exile,' difficult conceive liberalization wrought interpreted mechanistically apply presenting factual situations identical involved decisions. 14 idea read nonrestrictively given additional credence define constitutes 'continuous wishing naturalized. 316 Act, 242—243, 1427, liberalized previous some respects, provides wishes seek naturalization begin endanger five precede application until remains outside six months, damage position cumulative temporary absences total over half preceding filing petition naturalization. enlightened concept meaningful interruption continuous support naturalization, reflecting necessarily endangered country, strengthens foundation belief protect Of further, although less specific, effect Court's Kwong Hai Chew Colding, 344 590, 73 472, 97 576, entitled matter process hearing charges attempt exclude him, supports proposition leaves retaining rights. 15 Given woodenly construed, turn construction contained section relate briefly. What face another consequence which, while governed nevertheless calls play considerations, Pages 454-456, 458-459, led Congressional Reports. 'fortuitous capricious,' 'irrational scheme,' deported falls enumerated 212(a) returns uphold Delgadillo. Certainly like lawfully steps across border and, effect, back, subjecting him exclusion condition, remained seems placing mercy 'sport chance' 'meaningless hazards' alluded. F.2d. making casual seldom aware walking insignificance bears little punitive excludability. There valid policy reasons saying retain classification imperils interrupting frequently overly long period time, discern supporting limitation crosses international visit.10 innocent, casual, brief, consistent discernible signs intended' ameliorative unquestionably power undesirable charged enforcing directed it, do think intended entry merely stepped returned hours.' Such inconsistent ameliorate doctrine. 16 conclude, then, effectuates construe depart manner meaningfully interruptive residence. One factor inferred is, length absent. Another visit, leaving accomplish object itself contrary laws, appear thereby occurring properly meaningful. Still procure travel documents trip, need obtain items cause fully implications operation factors 'by gradual exclusion,' Davidson New Orleans, 96 97, 104, 616, declare today simply excursion country's borders 'intended' departure disruptive therefore civilized provisions protects unsuspected risks unintended wholly innocent here, far appears record, protected. However, attention focused record contains detailed description characterization 1956, testimony gone hours,' 'just visiting; taking trip.' deem appropriate remand further discussion herein. determined did 'intend' sense contemplated stand reached below obviated. vacated remanded directions parties amend pleadings foregoing, herewith. So ordered. 17 Judgment directions. 18 CLARK, whom HARLAN, STEWART WHITE join, dissenting. 19 & N Dec. Decisions dissent 'statutory construction' me statutes construct them. function reserved clearly undoubtedly defined 20 'The States, outlying possession, voluntarily otherwise, proves satisfaction Attorney General possession reasonably expected presence 1101(a)(13). 21 inescapable. compelled plain statute, history, federal courts. Indeed, Nonetheless, rewritten sua sponte, creating suggested organizations hearings Congress. authorities discussed demonstrate mean says means, add words explanation. 22 well-defined passed 1952. leading 1468 (1933), 26 Cuba. 1917 'includes 667, 1468. based sound authority, earlier crossed river Windsor, Canada, day Lewis Frick, 233 291, 34 488, 58 967 (1914). 23 numerous called consistently, recognizing brevity one's stay immaterial 'entry'. See, e.g., Kowalenski Flynn, 524 (D.C.W.D.N.Y.1927); Schoeps 177 391 1949). related obviously distinguishable create difficulties courts, conflicting opinions Circuits makes voluntarily. decided (1947), sunk, rescued week, States. distinguished others 'those where plainly planned enter place. Here catapulted ocean, rescued, He part selecting destination.' 390, relied 878 (C.A.2d ridden sleeping car Detroit, knowledge train's arrival Detroit. These establish setting reports show courts' difficulty 'any 'entry,' unintentional involuntary. discuss broad specific limitations cases, citing name, language: 25 defines precisely practicable, giving precedents. Thus considered satisfied deportee, voluntary.' H.R.Rep.No.1365, 82d Cong., Sess. 32; S.Rep.No. 1137, 4; Administrative News Page 1684. statute exempt Rather, cover knowingly city 'innocent, brief' alter that, 'plainly place.' 27 true harsh, harshness cry irrationality condemned .s.Ct. deportable reentered, either beyond control knowledge. Here, claim know presumed law, reentry render deportable. chosen definition, determination guise construction. Had wished include intentional done so. shows knows how temper wishes. Nor unaware breadth definition. Even evidence precedents, unsuccessfully urged narrowed today. Thus, Act's 'should, believe, applicable abroad, absence, unrelinquished domicile here.'1 Other groups complained recommended provide domicile, constitute entry.'2 Despite urging, change Further, 1958 retained meaning, stating period, however Bonetti Rogers, 356 691, 698, 78 976, 980, 1087. 28 All notwithstanding, decides really intend plans journey illegal purpose, needs trip. 'intent' taught.3 29 proceed party resolve: deprived vague. fails so, dissent. dictum point 698—699, 1087, considered, resolution crucial case. Compare Shaughnessy Mezei, 345 206, 213, 625, 956. voluntary: Provided, person occasioned proceedings, extradition, legal exception.' became effective December 24, significance 241(a)(1) commands 'excludable Hence, critical determine hours sense. not, constitutionally resolved. Previous contain language, facts, Lapina Williams, 232 78, 196, 515; 967; Claussen Day, 279 398, 49 354, 758; Polymeris Trudell, 284 279, 52 13, 516; Stapf Corsi, 287 40, 215. extremely premised bring woman immoral purpose. 297—300, 490—492. E.g., Ex parte Parianos, 918 1928); Medich Burmaster, 57 (C.A.8th Cahan Carr, 47 604 1931), cert. denied, 283 862, 51 655, 75 1467; Zurbrick Borg, 690 (C.A.6th 1931); Taguchi 62 307 1932); Ward De Barros, (C.A.1st 1935); Guarneri Kessler, 98 580 (C.A.5th 1938), 305 648, 59 229, 419; Castillo 338 1938); Siegel Reimer, F.Supp. 642 (D.C.S.D.N.Y.), aff'd, 1020 1938). Jackson Zurbrick, 937 Woodhead, 90 991 1937); Ueberall 187 KF105 F3 470 (D.C.S.D.N.Y.1911); Guimond Howes, 412 (D.C.D.Maine 1925); Piazzola, 114 (D.C.W.D.N.Y.1926). re Michael Bonadino, D.C.W.D.N.Y., unreported, 20, 1924; Valenti Karmuth, 370 (D.C.N.D.N.Y.1932); Annello Ward, 797 (D.C.D.Mass.1934). out, has, cited text, still irrelevant 'entry.' 1949), 339 914, 70 566, 94 1340; Pimental-Navarro Guercio, 256 877 1958). paragraph: 'Section Frequent reference relating flow use, law. Normally occurs physical susceptible precise determination. determining therein, preciseness found apparent. Earlier constructions forth Smith (289 (53 1298) (1933)), generally one. More recently, (Di (C.C.A.2d 1947)), (Delgadillo (68 10) (1947)). H.R.Rep. 1365, 32 (1952); S.Rep. U.S.Code 1683. Ng Fung Ho White, 259 276, 284, 42 492, 938; Bridges Wixon, 326 135, 147, 1443, 2103; Fong Haw Tan Phelan, 333 6, 374, 433; Barber Gonzales, 347 637, 642—643, 74 822, 1009. Bernard, American Policy (1950), 296; Gordon, When Does Alien Enter States? Fed.B.J. 248, 250, 258—259 (1948); Hofstein, Returning Resident Alien, Intra.L.Rev. 271, 273, 280 (1955); Konvitz, Civil Rights (1953), 92; Maslow, Recasting Our Law: Proposals Reform, 56 Col.L.Rev. 309, 327—329 (1956); Report President's Commission Naturalization, Whom Shall Welcome 179—180, 199—200; Note, Aliens Exclusion Proceedings, Utah L.Rev. 349, n. (1953); Limitations Power Deport Excludable Psychopaths Time Entry, Yale L.J. 931, 938 (1959). Statement Edward Ennis, Representing Liberties Union, printed Joint Hearings Subcommittees Committees Judiciary S. 716 H.R. 2379, 2816, 1st 143. Recommendations Suggestion With Titles II Hearings, note 1, 617. Testimony Stanley Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Lowell Behalf Americans Democratic Action, 445. Morissette 342 246, 72 240, 288 Hall, Principles Criminal Law (2d ed. 1960), 105—145; Prosser, Torts 1955), 29—30.

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