The conservative majority on the Supreme Court ruled against a woman fighting to bring her husband back to the U.S. Writing for the majority, Justice Amy Comey Barrett argued that the government’s interest in enforcing immigration law outweighs the right to marriage. Justice Sonya Sotomayor dissented, warning of dangerous precedents for families and LGBTQ+ couples. Sandra Muñoz, a U.S. citizen, petitioned for her husband, Luis Asencio-Cordero, to become a permanent resident in 2013. Asencio-Cordero was denied a visa due to concerns about his tattoos, leaving him in El Salvador for 10 years.
The Ninth Circuit Court ruled in favor of Muñoz, citing a violation of due process, but the Supreme Court overturned it, stating a U.S. citizen does not have a fundamental right for their spouse to be admitted. Advocates like the National Immigrant Justice Center criticized the ruling, noting its impact on future immigration challenges. The decision closes doors for families facing similar situations and limits transparency in visa denials.
This ruling highlights the complexities and injustices within the immigration system, affecting families seeking reunification in the U.S.