Washington, D.C. — April 22, 2025
In a surprising 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in favor of an immigrant challenging the government’s strict interpretation of a key deportation deadline, signaling a potential shift in judicial tone ahead of several high-profile immigration battles.
The case, Monsalvo Velazquez v. Bondi, revolved around a technical—but impactful—question: Should immigrants granted “voluntary departure” be penalized if their 60-day deadline to leave the country falls on a weekend or federal holiday?
The majority said no.
Writing for the Court, Justice Neil Gorsuch declared that “when the government sets a deadline, and that deadline lands on a day its own offices are closed, fairness and consistency demand that the time be extended to the next business day.” Chief Justice John Roberts joined Gorsuch and the Court’s three left-leaning justices in the opinion.
The ruling ensures that immigrants allowed to leave the U.S. voluntarily—rather than face formal deportation—are not punished for circumstances beyond their control, such as weekend closures of immigration offices. This option is typically reserved for non-citizens who are considered to have “good moral character.”
Though the technical nature of the ruling may seem narrow, legal experts say it could have broader implications. With a docket full of controversial immigration issues looming—including due process rights for migrants and a legal showdown over Trump-era efforts to end birthright citizenship—today’s decision may offer the first clues about how the Court will approach the coming storm.
In a strongly worded dissent, Justice Samuel Alito warned that the majority’s opinion “invites a wave of deadline confusion” and undermines the strict timelines set forth in immigration law.
But immigrant advocates applauded the ruling.
“This is a common-sense decision that recognizes the reality of how government operates,” said Maria Ortega, legal director of the American Immigrant Rights Coalition. “It prevents families from being torn apart simply because a calendar date fell on a Saturday.”
Today’s ruling, while narrow in scope, underscores growing uncertainty in the immigration debate—not just in Congress, but now on the nation’s highest court.
Developing story. More updates to follow.