[highsteptd]

(1) Try to think of the most "innocuous" way you can commit a crime and get 9 months for it. It's pretty safe that whatever he served 9 months for, was NOT for innocuous conduct.

(2) Don't really dig the conspiracy theory you're pitching. It's a fairly straightforward application here. a) you're an immigrant b) there is a mandatory deportation law if you're an immigrant and you commit a crime c) you commit a crime d) you're deported. How is that so hard to understand? Look, I disagree with the law, and I question their application here (waiting 10 years), but the law is the law is the law.

(3) Correct. Judges vary in every jurisdiction, whether they preside over civil, criminal, or immigration etc. However, nearly all judges are conservative by nature, and will adhere to what legislature passes and mandates.