Raj Patel

Correspondent

Raj Patel

Breaking news correspondent, covers late-night developments and emergency rulings.

Immigration & Government

Decisions covered by Raj Patel

873 decisions
Mar 3 2026
9th Cir. 23-2946 Published

Center for Biological Diversity v. United States Environmental Protection Agency

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the Center for Biological Diversity, holding that the Environmental Protection Agency violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to consult before issuing cadmium water quality recommendations. The court found the plaintiff had standing because the EPA's non-binding recommendations predictably influence state water standards, causing concrete injury to listed species.

Civil Environmental (Civil) Standing Summary Judgment
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Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1522 Panel Decision

SAMUEL CARDENAS v. ATTORNEY GENERAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Third Circuit clarified that battered child relief is available if the abuser becomes a lawful permanent resident after the abuse occurs, rejecting a prior Board of Immigration Appeals interpretation. However, the court affirmed the denial of standard cancellation of removal because the record supports the finding that the petitioner's mother would not suffer exceptional hardship.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Mar 3 2026
6th Cir. 25-3631 Published

AMADOU SY v. PAMELA BONDI, Attorney General

The Sixth Circuit denied Amadou Sy's petition for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' decision, upholding the finding that his testimony regarding alleged persecution in Mauritania lacked credibility. The court concluded that substantial evidence supported the immigration judge's determination that Sy's accounts of repeated arrests were strikingly similar and implausible.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Mar 2 2026
9th Cir. 18-70983 Unpublished

Gonzalo Chavez Esquivel v. Pamela Bondi

The Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of an immigration order, upholding the agency's finding that the petitioner's proposed social group lacked the required particularity and social distinction. The court also affirmed the denial of protection under the Convention Against Torture, though a judge dissented on the grounds that the agency failed to properly consider evidence of torture risk.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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