WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that immigration officials may turn away asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border before they physically enter the country, expanding the executive branch’s authority over border immigration measures.
In a 6-3 decision in *Mullin v. Al Otro Lado*, the court held that individuals standing in Mexico do not “arrive in the United States” for purposes of applying for asylum under federal immigration law, even if they attempt to cross at official ports of entry. The ruling clears the way for policies that limit or block asylum claims at the border.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the majority that an alien “arrives in the United States” only when he or she crosses the border. The decision interprets provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including those governing inspection and expedited removal.
The case involved a challenge to “metering” practices, under which officials at ports of entry have at times restricted the number of asylum seekers permitted to enter and apply for protection on a given day. Such policies were used in limited form during the Obama administration and expanded under former President Donald Trump’s first term before being rescinded in 2021.
The Trump administration has sought flexibility to reinstate similar measures as part of broader border enforcement efforts. Lower courts had issued rulings blocking aspects of the practice, prompting the government’s appeal.
Dissenting justices, including Sonia Sotomayor, argued the decision undermines congressional intent to provide asylum access to those fleeing persecution.
The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the ruling. “This decision strengthens our ability to manage the border effectively and enforce immigration laws as written,” a spokesperson said.
Immigration advocacy groups criticized the outcome, stating it limits humanitarian protections. The American Immigration Council described it as a blow to asylum rights.
The ruling applies to executive actions at the border and does not directly address interior enforcement or other immigration policies. It comes amid ongoing legal challenges to various Trump administration immigration initiatives.
As of Thursday, administration officials indicated they would review the decision’s implications for current operations. Further guidance from the Department of Homeland Security on implementation was expected in the coming days. The full impact on asylum processing at the southern border remains subject to agency action and potential additional litigation.
