Etumai Mtoched v. Loretta E. Lynch

OPINION

CLIFTON, Circuit Judge:

Etumai Mtoched, a citizen of Palau and a resident of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”), petitions for review of an order of removal from the United States. That order was entered based on Mtoched’s conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon under CNMI law, 6 N. Mar. I. Code § 1204(a).

One set of issues raised by Mtoched’s petition arises from CNMI’s unique posture in relationship with United States immigration law. Prior to 2009, CNMI could be described as being outside the immigration boundary of the United States. Accordingly, United…