Replies

Judge Kethledge rigorously enforces all laws as they are written, including the immigration laws. He knows that faithfully applying the Immigration and Nationality Act means respecting Congress's decision to give federal courts only a limited role in the immigration process.

In Khalil v. Holder, Kethledge upheld a finding that the petitioner was not entitled to asylum because he was not a credible witness. Kethledge pointed out multiple inconsistencies in the petitioner's story that undermined his asylum claim.

In Japarkulova v. Holder, Kethledge recognized—over a dissent from a liberal judge—that courts must defer to the executive branch's determination that an immigrant is not eligible for asylum. Even though the petitioner had a compelling life story, Kethledge upheld the law.

In Mora v. Holder, the petitioner entered the US legally at age 14 but then overstayed his visa. Kethledge noted that if the petitioner had been a citizen, “we would call him a model one.” But Judge Kethledge recognized that the courts lacked authority to grant him relief.

In his more than 10 years on the bench, Judge Kethledge has encountered hundreds of immigration cases. He shows no favoritism to immigrants--or to the government, for that matter--and instead focuses only on applying the laws passed by Congress as they are written. Kethledge paid his own way through law school after working as a waiter and (new) car salesman. He delivered pizzas for Dominos and did landscaping during college. And he’s spent the last 3+ decades in Michigan. He would bring some much needed perspective from middle America.

Matthew Downer, clerk for Kethledge 11:14 AM - 4 Jul 2018 ‏