Mata-Guerrero v. Holder
627 F.3d 256
| 7th Cir. | 2010Background
- Mata-Guerrero is a Mexican native and lawful permanent resident since 1991.
- DHS seeks removal under 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii) for an aggravated felony.
- Mata-Guerrero pled guilty in 1993 to first-degree sexual assault of a child; this crime is a moral turpitude offense.
- He was required to register as a sex offender in Wisconsin and later pled guilty in 2005 to a misdemeanor for failing to register.
- The Board denied a 212(c) waiver based on an older categoric approach to moral turpitude, relying on Tobar-Lobo.
- The Seventh Circuit remands for application of the Attorney General’s Silva-Trevino method, which involves an individualized inquiry into whether the Wisconsin failure-to-register offense is a crime of moral turpitude.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether failure to register as a sex offender is a crime of moral turpitude. | Mata-Guerrero argues no moral turpitude; Wisconsin statute has no intent element. | Board treated it as a crime of moral turpitude under Tobar-Lobo. | Remanded for individualized inquiry; cannot decide without Silva-Trevino analysis. |
| Whether Chevron deference applies given Board’s reasoning. | Agency should apply Silva-Trevino method; relies on AG guidance. | Board decisions are entitled to deference where proper analysis occurred. | Chevron deference not applied due to lack of proper analysis; remand mandated. |
| Whether Tobar-Lobo's categorical approach remains valid. | Tobar-Lobo should control; applies categorical test. | AG abandoned categorical approach; use Silva-Trevino. | Rejected; remand to apply the individualized inquiry under Silva-Trevino. |
Key Cases Cited
- Gonzales v. Duenas-Alvarez, 549 U.S. 183 (U.S. 2007) (realistic probability and statutory interpretation guidance)
- Ali v. Mukasey, 521 F.3d 737 (7th Cir. 2008) (agency may consider evidence beyond conviction records in moral turpitude)
- St. Cyr v. INS, 533 U.S. 289 (U.S. 2001) (waiver eligibility despite later repeal of 212(c))
- Garcia-Meza v. Mukasey, 516 F.3d 535 (7th Cir. 2008) (definition of crimes of moral turpitude; intrinsic hostility to base conduct)
- Marmolejo-Campos v. Holder, 558 F.3d 903 (9th Cir. 2009) (Chevron deference in moral turpitude determinations)