What's happened
The U.S. Supreme Court will review the Trump administration's appeal of lower court rulings that declared 'metering' at border crossings illegal. The practice, used to limit asylum seekers, was rescinded by Biden but remains legally contested. The case highlights ongoing debates over immigration policies and border management.
What's behind the headline?
The Supreme Court's decision will likely determine whether 'metering' remains a tool for border management or is permanently barred. The practice's legality hinges on interpretations of federal law and constitutional rights. The case underscores the ongoing tension between border security and migrants' rights, with potential implications for future asylum processing. The court's conservative majority suggests a leaning toward upholding restrictions, which could limit access to asylum and increase risks for migrants stranded outside official ports. This ruling will shape U.S. immigration enforcement for years, affecting both policy and humanitarian considerations.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the case will be argued in late winter or early spring, emphasizing the legal challenge to 'metering' and its history. Al Jazeera highlights the advocacy group's view that 'metering' violates federal law and endangers vulnerable migrants. AP News and The Independent detail the legal background, including court rulings that found the practice unconstitutional and the Biden administration's efforts to end it. The sources collectively illustrate a legal and political battleground over border policies, with significant implications for asylum seekers and U.S. immigration law.
How we got here
Metering was first introduced during Obama's administration to manage large influxes of asylum seekers. Trump expanded its use, formalizing it in 2018 amid capacity concerns. Biden rescinded the practice in 2021 after court rulings, but legal challenges persist, reflecting broader political disputes over border control and asylum rights.
Go deeper
- How does 'metering' affect asylum seekers at the border?
- What legal arguments are being made for and against 'metering'?
- Could this case influence future immigration policies?
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The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States of America. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases that involve a point of federal law, and original jurisdict
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