This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Mr. Kneedler, section 1101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act incorporates that definition, so a conviction that meets the federal drug‑trafficking definition can trigger immigration consequences.
An aggravated‑felony conviction can bar a non‑citizen from becoming a U.S. citizen because it forecloses the ability to establish good moral character.
Background and question before the Court
The Court is asked whether a state conviction that would have been punishable under federal law satisfies the definition of a drug‑trafficking crime for immigration purposes.
What each side argues
Petitioner Lopez
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
Petitioner Toledo‑Flores
According to Mr. Crooks, Toledo‑Flores contends that the case is not moot because the sentence remains in effect and can affect future immigration outcomes, citing Campo Serrano as precedent.
According to Mr. Crooks, he also argues that a conviction under 924(c) can affect the ability to obtain a waiver of inadmissibility, referencing the Hamdi case.
According to Mr. Crooks, he warns that holding the appeal moot while the sentence is still enforceable would be unfair.
Respondent Attorney General
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
United States
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Kennedy asked whether a state conviction that would have been punishable under the Federal law meets the definition of a drug‑trafficking crime.
According to Justice Stevens, justice Stevens questioned whether a state felony can ever be punishable under a federal statute.
Chief Justice Roberts asked whether the parties conceded that a State offense could constitute illicit trafficking.
Justice Alito asked whether there is a uniform federal definition of a theft offense.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Because an aggravated‑felony conviction can block a non‑citizen from establishing the good‑moral‑character requirement, the outcome of this case could determine whether the petitioners can ever become U.S. citizens.
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 278a97655844f5afd190-r1-e3765dd5a716713b.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 21, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.