Supreme Court allows asylum seekers to be turned away at the border
Court lets Trump revive border asylum restrictions in a major immigration win.
Summary
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on June 25 in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado that U.S. officials may turn away asylum seekers who approach ports of entry from Mexico before physically entering the United States. The ruling clears the way for Trump to revive a border “metering” policy first used under Obama, expanded in Trump’s first term and ended by Biden in 2021. In a separate 6-3 immigration decision, the court allowed Trump to end temporary protected status for hundreds of thousands of migrants.
The Coverage
Ideological Court Agenda
Centers on the conservative Supreme Court as an anti-immigrant political actor rather than a neutral legal body. It argues that the decisions advance Trumpism, racism, or a white-supremacist agenda under the cover of law.
Benchroom Liberal Clash
Centers on the public tension between Justice Alito and Justice Sotomayor after her forceful dissent. It implies the ruling exposed unusually bitter divisions inside the Court, with liberal justices warning of grave consequences.
Trump Border Victory
Centers on the Supreme Court handing Trump major wins on immigration by allowing restrictive asylum and border policies to proceed. It argues that the conservative majority cleared the way for a broader crackdown and strengthened Trump’s immigration agenda.
Asylum Door Closed
Centers on asylum seekers being turned away at the U.S.-Mexico border despite seeking protection. It implies the ruling guts asylum rights and could expose vulnerable migrants to danger or death.
Get tomorrow's edition
Every side of today's biggest stories, free in your inbox each morning.