The Supreme Court delivered two consecutive victories to the Trump administration on immigration policy Thursday, clearing the path to end protected status for over 350,000 migrants and restricting asylum applications at the southern border.

Court Strips Protection From Migrants

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can terminate Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Haitians and 6,100 Syrians who have lived and worked legally in the United States for years. Justice Samuel Alito wrote that federal law clearly prevents courts from reviewing government decisions on TPS designations. The ruling reverses lower court decisions that had blocked the administration from ending these protections, which were originally granted to Haitians after the 2010 earthquake and Syrians after civil war erupted in 2012.

TPS allows individuals from countries facing war or natural disasters to legally remain in America for 18-month periods, renewable by the government. Recipients cannot be detained or deported based on immigration status during their protected period. The decision affects not only Haitian and Syrian nationals but sets precedent for TPS holders from other countries. Department of Homeland Security General Counsel James Percival said the temporary designation had become permanent amnesty, calling the ruling a victory for the rule of law.

Racial Discrimination Claims Rejected

Haitian migrants who challenged the policy argued the administration’s actions violated constitutional equal protection rights through racial discrimination. Justice Alito dismissed these claims, stating plaintiffs were unlikely to prove racial motivation. The three liberal justices dissented sharply. Justice Elena Kagan wrote that government statements on removing Haitians contained obvious racial undertones and overtones, declaring they practically shouted that race influenced the president’s decision. During his 2024 campaign, Trump amplified false claims about Haitian immigrants, including debunked stories about pet abductions.

Asylum Applications Also Restricted

In a separate 6-3 ruling Thursday, the court said migrants at the border cannot apply for asylum until physically entering United States territory. The decision supports the Trump administration’s interpretation that federal law requires migrants to arrive in America before seeking asylum protections. Justice Alito called the case straightforward, noting ordinary speech would not describe someone as arriving at a location before entering it. The ruling allows border officials to turn away asylum seekers who remain on Mexican soil.

Impact on Communities and Families

Advocacy groups warn the decisions will separate families and devastate local economies dependent on TPS workers. Jill Habig of Public Rights Project, representing 47 local governments, said hundreds of thousands face deportation risk. Communities will experience crisis conditions as residents return to countries gripped by violence and humanitarian collapse. The combined rulings represent the administration’s most significant legal victories on immigration enforcement, fundamentally reshaping protections for migrants who fled disaster zones and those seeking refuge at America’s borders.