Blanche v. Lau · ¶87

Having enshrined a returning LPR’s already-admitted status, Congress could not have meant for the guarantees it was affording to be so cavalierly swept aside. By law, LPRs are as close to citizenship as one can get absent naturalization. Cf. Hellenic Lines Ltd. v. Rhoditis, 398 U. S. 306, 309–310 (1970) (“We extend to [LPRs] the same constitutional protections of due process that we accord citizens” (citing Kwong Hai Chew v. Colding, 344 U. S. 590, 596 (1953)). Today, the majority ignores that crucial fact and empowers Government officials to act accordingly.

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