The Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday over whether immigrants can be detained indefinitely while awaiting deportation hearings. Approximately 400,000 people a year are detained by federal immigration officials, some for more than a year, while fighting their deportations. The American Civil Liberties Union says that’s unconstitutional and filed a class action lawsuit requiring bond hearings to be held within six months. The case is being watched especially close because the outcome could limit President-elect Trump’s immigration policy.
U.S. Supreme Court Considers Whether Immigrants Awaiting Hearings Can Be Detained Indefinitely
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday over whether immigrants can be detained indefinitely while awaiting deportation hearings. Approximately 400,000 people a year are detained by federal immigration officials, some for more than a year, while fighting their deportations. The American Civil Liberties Union says that's unconstitutional and filed a class action lawsuit requiring bond hearings to be held within six months. The case is being watched especially close because the outcome could limit President-elect Trump's immigration policy.
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The U.S. Supreme Court Building is seen in this March 31, 2012 photo on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Photo: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests:
Kevin R. Johnson, dean, professor of Law and Chicana/o Studies and the Mabie-Apallas Public Interest Law Chair, University of California, Davis
Julie Small, reporter, KQED News