Supreme Court allows Trump administration to block asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border

The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to potentially reinstate an immigration policy that blocks asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday. In a 6-3 decision, the justices overturned a lower court's order that had halted the practice, which limits the number of individuals who can apply for asylum daily. This policy was previously used under the Obama administration and expanded during President Donald Trump's first term. Advocates argued that this tactic led to a humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands of migrants to wait in makeshift shelters. The Trump administration contended that the policy was necessary to manage an influx of asylum seekers. While the policy is not currently active, the Department of Homeland Security praised the ruling, with General Counsel James Percival stating it provides an "important tool to continue securing our southern border." The administration's argument centered on metering being a critical tool utilized by presidents of both parties. Federal attorneys asserted that individuals turned away could reapply later, despite previous long waiting lines. This ruling is among several immigration cases before the court this term, including efforts to end birthright citizenship and deportations for those fleeing instability. The Justice Department argued that individuals stopped at the border have not technically "arrived" in the country, thus not requiring them to be allowed to apply for asylum under federal law, a position supported by the court's conservative majority.