Migrants in Tijuana, Mexico.Photo: David Guzmán/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowedJoe Bidento strike down a controversial immigration policy that was put in place duringDonald Trump’s presidency, with justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh siding with the liberal-leaning justices.
On Thursday,the court ruled inBiden v. Texasthat Biden’s administration was not in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act to terminate the “Remain in Mexico” program, officially called the Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP.
After lower courts blocked the Biden administration from terminating the policy, it was up to the Supreme Court to consider where the program could continue.
More than 60,000 asylum seekers were returned to Mexico during the Trump administration and under the policy, which was launched in 2019.
Human rights advocates say the policy is inhumane because it leaves migrants who are stranded in Mexicovulnerable to violence— including sexual assault and kidnapping — and exposed tounsanitary conditionsduring long waiting periods while their immigration proceedings continue back in the U.S.
Last December, the Biden administration worked to address some of those concerns, with the Department of Homeland Security announcing that the U.S. and Mexicoreached a dealthat addresses humanitarian concerns, including a new six-month limit on court proceedings and improved access to counsel for those with cases pending.
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The court’s decision Thursday marked the final ruling of their term — and the last with Justice Stephen Breyer presiding, whose resignation will go into effect at noon ET. Known for siding with the liberal minority for most ofhis tenure on the SCOTUS bench, Breyer ended his career on a high note, joining the majority opinion.
source: people.com
