WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for the Trump administration to potentially bring back a border policy that once limited how many migrants could seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border each day.
In a 6-3 ruling, the court overturned a lower court decision that had blocked the practice known as “metering.” The policy allowed border officials to restrict the number of asylum seekers processed at official ports of entry. As a result, many migrants had to wait in Mexico until authorities allowed them to move forward with their claims.
The decision marks another significant victory for President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. It also comes as the Supreme Court weighs several other major immigration cases during its current term.
The metering policy first appeared during the Obama administration on a limited basis. However, Trump expanded its use during his first term as migrant arrivals increased along the southern border. Supporters argued that the policy helped border agencies manage resources and maintain order. Critics, meanwhile, said it left vulnerable people stranded in dangerous conditions.
Advocacy groups challenged the policy in court. They argued that federal law gives migrants the right to request asylum when they arrive in the United States. They also said the restrictions created a humanitarian crisis because thousands of people waited for months in overcrowded shelters and informal camps near the border.
The Trump administration defended the practice throughout the legal battle. Government lawyers argued that migrants who were turned away at ports of entry had not legally entered the country. Therefore, officials said border agents did not have to immediately process their asylum claims.
Federal attorneys also maintained that the policy did not permanently deny asylum access. Instead, they said migrants could return later and seek entry when space became available. However, critics noted that waiting lists often stretched into the thousands, creating lengthy delays for families and individuals seeking protection.
Following Thursday’s ruling, the Department of Homeland Security welcomed the outcome. James Percival, the agency’s general counsel, said the decision restores an important option for border enforcement.
“This decision opens up an important tool to continue securing our southern border,” Percival said.
Even so, the administration has not confirmed whether it will reinstate the policy. Officials have already implemented other measures that limit asylum access and increase border controls. Therefore, it remains unclear how quickly metering could return or what form it might take.
The case highlights a long-running debate over immigration policy in the United States. On one side, supporters of stricter border controls argue that the government needs flexibility to manage large numbers of arrivals. On the other side, immigration advocates stress that asylum seekers often flee violence, persecution, and instability. Consequently, they argue that access to the asylum process should remain available without lengthy delays.
Under federal law, migrants who reach the United States can apply for asylum and receive a screening to determine whether they fear persecution in their home countries. That legal protection has remained at the center of numerous court battles involving both Democratic and Republican administrations.
The Supreme Court’s decision does not automatically restore the metering system. Instead, it removes a major legal obstacle that had prevented federal officials from using the policy. As a result, the administration now has greater authority to consider the measure as part of its broader border strategy.
Meanwhile, the high court continues to review several other immigration-related disputes. Those cases include Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship restrictions and policies affecting deportation protections for migrants fleeing armed conflict and political instability.
