The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the federal government has the right to refuse to explain to rejected visa applicants why they’ve been refused visas. The specific case involved a naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan and her Afghan husband, whom she wanted to bring to the United States to immigrate. He was denied because of unspecified concerns related to terrorism, but the government refused to explain those concerns or allow an appeal or anything. Five justices said the government has no responsibility to provide any information or explanation. Four said the wife deserved an explanation. In other words, the five have such confidence in U.S. information that they reject the thought of it ever being challenged by applicants.
The thought that government bureaucrats, without having to explain themselves and without being subject to challenge, can make such momentous decisions about people’s lives is quite amazing.