October Term 2024 · Docket 23-929

Does a 60-day voluntary departure deadline extend past weekends?

The dispute centers on whether the final day of a 60-day departure window shifts to the next business day if it lands on a weekend or holiday.

Official caption
Velazquez v. Garland, Att'y Gen.
Latest argument session
Latest official Court activity
Latest verified event
Decided
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Verified source milestones

  1. — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
  2. — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
  3. — An official Court opinion was verified.

The arguments, in order

This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.

  1. Argument 1 ·

    What happened at the argument

    the side that brought the case's advocate stated the 60-day period works like routine legal time.

    The government's advocate stated the deadline involves primary conduct in the real world.

    Justice Sotomayor questioned the government's distinction between court and substantive obligations.

    Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details

    Sources used for this argument breakdown

A citizen's guide to the whole case

What this case is about

This case tests how courts count days for voluntary departure. One side argues standard business-day rules apply. The other side insists the deadline is strict and real-world.

Official sources for this section

How the case got here

The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 12, 2024.

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What each side wants

the side that brought the case wants the deadline to extend to the next business day.

The government wants the deadline to remain fixed on the 60th day.

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What each side says

the side that brought the case argues standard legal time rules apply to this statute.

The government argues the deadline involves real-world conduct and is strict.

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What the justices asked

Justice Thomas asked if a final removal order exists in this case.

Justice Sotomayor asked if Congress used specific language for calendar days.

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Why it matters

This issue determines how long immigrants have to leave voluntarily. It affects compliance with federal departure orders. It shapes the practical timeline for removal proceedings.

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What happens next

This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.

Official sources for this section

Official Court provenance

Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page

Verified official opinions and orders

Title and summary sources

Revision history

  1. Revision 1 · Post Opinion ·

    Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.

  2. Revision 2 · Post Opinion ·

    Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.

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