Christopher Stender and the Case of Armando Marmolejo-Campos By Christopher Stender

IntroductionJuris doctor graduate of the Syracuse

University School of Law and experienced immigration attorney Christopher Stender represents immigrants in cases where the process of removal is eminent or already underway. During his years as an attorney, numerous decisions for cases in which Christopher Stender argued have been published, including proceedings from the Board of Immigration Appeals and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Among these cases is Marmelejo-Campos v. Mukasey, 519 F.3d 907 (9th Cir 2008)(en banc).

About Armando Marmolejo-Campos Mexican national Armando Marmolejo-Campos

illegally entered the U.S. in 1983 and was eventually convicted of felony theft. He served a prison sentence and was released to continue living in the United States. Years later, he was pulled over for aggravated driving under the influence. The INS attempted to remove Campos, but was unsuccessful. A year later, he was convicted once again of driving under the influence and the Department of Homeland Security reinstated removal proceedings based on the commission of a crime “involving moral turpitude.” A judge agreed that Campos qualified for removal.

ConclusionThe vague classification of

“moral turpitude” became the crux of Campos’ appeal and resulted in the overturning of the lower court’s decision to have him removed from the country.