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 Petitioner, the case concerns whether Congress intended judicial review of motions to reopen asylum decisions under §1252(b)(6).
Petitioner argues that Congress limited reduction of judicial review to authority specified in subchapter 2 of chapter 12 of Title 8 and did not intend to remove courts’ jurisdiction over other discretionary decisions.
Background and question before the Court
The parties dispute whether §1252(b)(6) requires review of motions to reopen.
What each side argues
Petitioner
Petitioner argues that Congress limited reduction of judicial review to authority specified in subchapter 2 of chapter 12 of Title 8, and did not intend to remove courts’ jurisdiction over other discretionary decisions.
According to Petitioner, petitioner asserts that §1252(b)(6) mandates that review of the underlying decision be consolidated with review of a motion to reopen, indicating congressional intent to allow review of motions to reopen.
Respondent
Respondent (Department of Justice) argues that the statutory text is clear and does not remove jurisdiction, so courts retain authority to review.
What happened at oral argument
During oral argument, several Justices asked questions about the statutory language and its implications.
- [1] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 4
- [2] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 21
- [3] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 22
- [4] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 29
- [5] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 41
- [6] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 48
- [7] a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdf, p. 50
What the Court decided
Why it matters
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.
- a5a918da033d9092e553-r1-8444d33056dc66d0.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.