Vartelas v. Holder

Holding: Because the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act burdens lawful activity on the basis of nothing more than past criminal activity, it was retroactive within the meaning of the Court’s precedents.

Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 6-3, in an opinion by Justice Ginsburg on March 28, 2012. Justice Scalia filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justices Thomas and Alito.

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs for the Petitioner

• Brief for  Panagis Vartelas
• Reply brief for Panagis Vartelas

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner

• Brief for Asian American Justice Center et al.
• Brief of the National Immigrant Justice Center 
• Brief for the American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Brief for the Nat’l Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers et al.

Merits Briefs for the Respondent

• Brief for Eric H. Holder, Jr.

Certiorari-stage documents

• Opinion below (2d Cir.)
• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Petitioner's reply