Supreme Court: No Deportation for Pot Possession

Don't criticize it. Legalize it.

The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a legal immigrant is not subject to mandatory deportation after being convicted of possessing a small amount of marijuana.

The court held on a 7-2 vote that Adrian Moncrieffe, a Jamaican citizen, could not be subject to mandatory deportation because basic marijuana possession is not a felony under federal law.

The federal government has the authority to deport legal immigrants under various circumstances, including when the individual involved is convicted of an aggravated felony.

Immigration officials sought to deport Moncrieffe after he was convicted under Georgia law for possession and intent to distribute 1.3 grams of marijuana.