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Immigration Law: Treaties

Introduction

Since treaties are are "supreme law" under Art. II, Sec. 2 of the US Constitution, it may seem strange to list them under agency guidance. However, only treaties that are "self-executing" are controlling on an issue. If a treaty is not self-executing, it does not provide a rule which courts must enforce absent implementing legislation. The following immigration treaties are not self-executing, but courts are required, when possible, to construe domestic legislation in a way that is consistent with international obligations.