The Supreme Court ruled Monday that legal immigrants can't be deported solely for commiting minor drug offenses.

The decision stems from the case of Jose Angel Carachuri-Rosendo, who has been represented by attorneys at the University of Houston Law Center.

Officials said Carachuri-Rosendo, who is a legal permanent resident, had to be deported after his second drug conviction. The first conviction was on marijuana charges. The second time he was convicted of posessing a tablet of Xanax not prescribed to him.

The case hinged on the definition of "aggravated felony." Although Carachuri-Rosendo's convictions were considered misdemeanors under state law, federal authorities said the second conviction counted as an aggravated felony under federal law. The Supreme Court unanimously disagreed.

The case has broad implications for permanent residents. Many are deported after being convicted of drug offenses each year.

--> Justices Ease Deportation Rule in Minor Drug Cases - NYTimes.com