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Unlawful Voting After Matter of Lopez Rico: Underlying Law and Mens Rea

Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. This page addresses the elements, proof, defenses, and related removal consequences.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith September 18, 2026
Direct Answer

Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute.

Core Rule

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with core rule. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Statutory Language

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with statutory language. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Elements

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

DHS Burden

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with dhs burden. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Respondent Evidence

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with respondent evidence. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Timing

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with timing. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Documents and Records

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with documents and records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Knowledge or Intent

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with knowledge or intent. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Exceptions or Waivers

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with exceptions or waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Relief Consequences

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with relief consequences. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Litigation Strategy

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with litigation strategy. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Immigration Judge Findings

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with immigration judge findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

BIA Preservation

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with bia preservation. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Practitioner Checklist

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea analysis starts with practitioner checklist. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea controlling rule is: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record identifies the charged clause. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea record isolates disputed factual allegations. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing separates law from inference. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea briefing requests a threshold ruling.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof uses primary government records. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea additional rule is: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant date. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the relevant person. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof identifies the controlling document. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea proof answers competing evidence directly.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation keeps the burden explicit. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea preservation rule is: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation distinguishes fact from law. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation requests element-specific findings. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation preserves evidentiary objections promptly. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea litigation records DHS's stated theory.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences remain separate from relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify statutory exceptions. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences identify available waivers. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences develop discretion only when relevant. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences require a reasoned decision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea consequences preserve later appellate review.

Charge Construction

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction applies this proposition: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea charge construction preserves the result for review.

Primary Proof

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof applies this proposition: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea primary proof preserves the result for review.

Alternative Theory

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory applies this proposition: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea alternative theory preserves the result for review.

Exception Record

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record applies this proposition: The Immigration Judge should distinguish a mistake about legal eligibility from any mental state the underlying statute actually requires. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea exception record preserves the result for review.

Relief Interface

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface applies this proposition: Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea relief interface preserves the result for review.

Cross Examination Plan

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan applies this proposition: The mental-state question is determined by the elements of that underlying voting law rather than by a single independent mens rea in INA §237(a)(6). Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea cross examination plan preserves the result for review.

Decision Drafting

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting applies this proposition: Lopez Rico reaffirmed Fitzpatrick for federal voting under 18 U.S.C. §611(a), a general-intent statute. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea decision drafting preserves the result for review.

Review Record

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record focuses on page-specific proof. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record applies this proposition: DHS should identify the voting law and evidence that the respondent’s conduct satisfied its elements. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record identifies the strongest primary record. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record identifies the weakest DHS inference.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record states the respondent's competing account. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record tests any statutory timing requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record tests any knowledge requirement. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record tests any qualifying relationship.

Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record identifies any independent removal charge. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record identifies any remaining form of relief. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record requests an element-by-element ruling. Lopez-Rico voting mensrea review record preserves the result for review.

Primary Legal Authorities and Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main rule for Matter of Lopez Rico unlawful voting underlying law mens rea?
Matter of Lopez Rico, 29 I&N Dec. 780, confirms that removability under INA §237(a)(6) depends on violation of an underlying Federal, State, or local voting provision.
Does Matter of Lopez Rico unlawful voting underlying law mens rea require a criminal conviction?
Lopez Rico voting-law analysis must be checked against its own statutory text. Some INA §237 grounds are conduct-based or order-based, while specified document provisions are conviction-based.
What burden applies to Matter of Lopez Rico unlawful voting underlying law mens rea?
In ordinary section 240 proceedings, DHS bears the burden to prove deportability by clear and convincing evidence, including the elements of Lopez Rico voting-law analysis.
Can there be an exception or waiver for Matter of Lopez Rico unlawful voting underlying law mens rea?
Possibly. Lopez Rico voting-law analysis should be checked for any express statutory exception or waiver; eligibility requirements must be proven separately from the underlying removability charge.
What evidence is most important for Matter of Lopez Rico unlawful voting underlying law mens rea?
For Lopez Rico voting-law analysis, the strongest record usually consists of primary documents and testimony tied directly to each disputed statutory element.
How should Matter of Lopez Rico unlawful voting underlying law mens rea be preserved for appeal?
For Lopez Rico voting-law analysis, obtain findings on every disputed element, burden issue, intent question, timing issue, exception, and waiver argument, and identify the specific disposition requested.

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