Page:Pugin v. Garland.pdf/1

(Slip Opinion)

Held: An offense may “relat[e] to obstruction of justice” under §1101(a)(43)(S) even if the offense does not require that an investigation or proceeding be pending. Federal law provides that noncitizens convicted of a federal or state crime constituting an “aggravated felony” are removable from the United States. §1227(a)(2)(A)(iii). Congress expanded the definition of “aggravated felony” in 1996 to include offenses “relating to obstruction of justice.” §1101(a)(43)(S). Dictionary definitions, federal laws, state laws, and the Model Penal Code show that federal or state obstruction offenses “relat[e] to obstruction of justice” under §1101(a)(43)(S) even if the offense does not require that an investigation or proceeding be pending. This extensive body of