So Much for Family Values

Ilic-Lee vs. Mukasey, Nos. 06-3494/4089 - U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (November 19, 2007) - Decision 11/19/07

In a callous decision, two George W. Bush appointees have denied immigration relief to a Serbian mother of two who is married to a U.S. citizen.  The Sixth Circuit's 2-1 ruling clears the way for the Department of Homeland Security to deport petitioner Zlata Ilic-Lee, breaking up her seven-year marriage and her family.  In total, eight of the Sixth Circuit's 14 active judges (57%) were appointed by a Republican, including President George W. Bush's six confirmed appointments.

Writing for the majority, Judge McKeague claims that he and Judge Rogers are sympathetic to the petitioner's plight, but he deflects responsibility for the result by explaining that "[i]t is the role of Congress, not courts, to ensure that immigration laws comport with family, societal, and other values."

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