In the United States v. Minker case of 1955, the Supreme Court ruled that a person who is subject to deportation proceedings has no right to examine government files related to their case or cross-examine government informants. The court held that such rights are not constitutionally guaranteed in administrative hearings like those for immigration and deportation. The decision was based on an interpretation of Section 242(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act which allows for confidential information from investigative reports to be used in these cases without being disclosed. This ruling upheld the conviction of Jacob Minker, a naturalized U.S citizen accused by anonymous informants of having been a member of Communist organizations before his entry into America - grounds for denaturalization and potential deportation under then-existing laws.

In the dissenting opinion for United States v. Minker, Justice Black argued that compelling a person to testify about his beliefs and associations infringes upon their First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly. He contended that the majority's decision allowed for an invasion of privacy by enabling government officials to probe into citizens' thoughts and affiliations under the guise of determining whether they were "true" or "false". Furthermore, he expressed concern over potential abuse of this power by authorities who might use it as a tool for harassment or intimidation against those with unpopular views. Ultimately, Justice Black believed that such practices contradicted fundamental American principles regarding individual liberties and freedoms.