Wilberto Miresles-Zuniga v. Eric Holder, Jr.
2014 U.S. App. LEXIS 2801
| 5th Cir. | 2014Background
- Miresles-Zuniga, a Mexican citizen, became a lawful permanent resident in 2002 and faced removal in 2012 for a Texas aggravated assault (2008) and a firearm misdemeanor (2011).
- The IJ denied cancellation of removal under §1229b on stop-time grounds, and the BIA affirmed without opinion.
- Stop-time rule §1229b(d)(1) ends continuous residence when an offense renders the alien inadmissible or removable under specified provisions.
- Miresles-Zuniga argues the stop-time rule should not apply because the offense is categorized under §1182(a)(2) as a crime of moral turpitude, not as a domestic-violence offense in §1227(a)(2).
- The court reviews de novo whether the stop-time rule applies, applying Chevron only if ambiguous; the statute is unambiguous, so no deference is given to the BIA.
- Conclusion: the offense triggers the stop-time rule and eliminates eligibility for cancellation of removal.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether stop-time applies under §1229b(d)(1) for an offense referred to in §1182(a)(2). | Miresles-Zuniga contends the offense does not render him inadmissible/removable under §1182(a)(2). | The offense is referred to in §1182(a)(2) and thus triggers stop-time. | Yes; stop-time applies. |
| Whether the offense rendered Miresles-Zuniga removable under §1227(a)(2) or §1227(a)(4). | Argues offense cannot trigger stop-time if not removable on that exact basis. | Offense can render removal under §1227(a)(2) (DV) notwithstanding its moral-turpitude categorization. | Offense renders removability under §1227(a)(2); stop-time triggered. |
| Whether Chevron deference applies to the BIA interpretation. | N/A. | Statutory text is unambiguous, so no Chevron deference. | Chevron deference does not apply; court gives effect to unambiguous intent of Congress. |
Key Cases Cited
- Heaven v. Gonzales, 473 F.3d 167 (5th Cir. 2006) (de novo review of legal questions in removal cases; Chevron considerations discussed)
- Garcia-Carias v. Holder, 697 F.3d 257 (5th Cir. 2012) (statutory interpretation of immigration provisions; deference considerations in Chevron step one)
- Moosa v. I.N.S., 171 F.3d 994 (5th Cir. 1999) (Texas conviction treated as a conviction for immigration purposes)
- Nakimbugwe v. Gonzales, 475 F.3d 281 (5th Cir. 2007) (review of IJ/BIA decisions when BIA affirms without opinion)
- Pichardo v. I.N.S., 104 F.3d 756 (5th Cir. 1997) (offense characterization for removal purposes; moral turpitude reference)