Mullin v. Al Otro Lado · ¶33

Respondents suggest that the meaning of the phrase “arrives in” shifts when someone “block[s]” the way of the person seeking to arrive. Brief for Respondents 25. In that circumstance, respondents say, to arrive in a place is merely to “be at its threshold.” Id., at 23. So, on respondents’ view, a person does arrive in a house when, although he “is not in the house” and is merely “ready” to “take the step over” the threshold, the homeowner “stand[s] on the other side” and prevents entry. Tr. of Oral Arg. 70. Put simply, an alien “arrives in” the United States by “attempting to come into the United States.” Brief for Respondents 20.

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