In a narrow 5–4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that immigrants granted voluntary departure must receive an extension if their deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday. The ruling clarifies how deadlines should be interpreted in cases involving scheduled departures under immigration law.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the Court’s three liberal justices in the majority, signaling a rare alignment across ideological lines. The case centered on a man whose removal deadline fell on a Saturday, prompting legal questions after his motion was officially filed the following business day.
The majority opinion affirmed that when a legal deadline falls on a day when courts are closed, the timeline should be extended to the next available business day. This approach mirrors how deadlines are handled across federal systems and administrative procedures.
In dissent, four justices argued that the statute should be read strictly, regardless of whether the deadline lands on a weekend. They warned that the majority’s interpretation could lead to uncertainty in enforcing removal orders.
The decision is expected to impact future immigration cases where procedural fairness and statutory interpretation intersect, particularly in situations involving time-sensitive filings.