Miguel Perez-Montes v. Jefferson Sessions, III

EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judge.

Miguel Perez-Montes, a citizen of Mexico, entered the United States in 1989 as a lawful permanent resident. In 2001 he joined the Army and later served two tours in Afghanistan. He received a general discharge under honorable conditions. During all the years he could do so, he did not apply for citizenship. His eligibility ended in 2010, when he was convicted of a cocaine offense. That conviction led to removal proceedings and made Perez-Montes ineligible for most forms of relief.

Aliens convicted of aggravated felonies remain eligible for deferral of removal under…