Supreme Court Holds LPRs with Pending Criminal Charges May Be Deemed Applicants for Admission When Re-Entering the United States: Blanche v. Lau
Crimes
Detention
Removal Defense
ddelacruz
Tue, 07/14/2026 - 13:22
Publication Date
Jul 14, 2026
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On June 23, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in Blanche v. Lau, in which it held that a border officer can determine that a lawful permanent resident (LPR) returning to the United States after a trip abroad is an applicant for admission based on the commission of a crime, even without clear and convincing evidence to support that finding. Mr. Lau, an LPR, traveled abroad while a criminal charge was pending against him for a potential crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT). Even though no conviction had occurred when Mr. Lau sought re-entry, the Court found that border agents could deem him an applicant seeking an admission, and then use a later conviction to charge him in removal proceedings as an inadmissible noncitizen. This advisory summarizes the majority and dissent’s opinions, and shares key takeaways and practice tips for criminal defenders and immigration practitioners in light of the decision.
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Blanche v. Lau Practice Advisory.pdf
Audience
Practitioners
On June 23, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in Blanche v. Lau, in which it held that a border officer can determine that a lawful permanent resident (LPR) returning to the United States after a trip abroad is an applicant for admission based on the commission of a crime, even without clear and convincing evidence to support that finding. Mr. Lau, an LPR, traveled abroad while a criminal charge was pending against him for a potential crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT). Even though no conviction had occurred when Mr. Lau sought re-entry, the Court found that border agents could deem him an applicant seeking an admission, and then use a later conviction to charge him in removal proceedings as an inadmissible noncitizen. This advisory summarizes the majority and dissent’s opinions, and shares key takeaways and practice tips for criminal defenders and immigration practitioners in light of the decision.
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