Supreme Court Allows 'Third Country' Asylum Policy to Proceed

Why it matters locally: The Supreme Court's decision on the 'third country' asylum policy could impact the operations of refugee resettlement agencies and immigration services across Pennsylvania, including those assisting asylum seekers who may be affected by the ruling.

Washington D.C. – The Supreme Court has authorized a government policy allowing officials to deport immigrants to countries where they hold no prior connection. This decision marks the second time the court has reversed rulings by lower courts concerning this policy. The policy permits the government to send individuals seeking asylum to countries other than their home country, even if they have no previous ties to that 'third country.' Lower courts had previously ruled that immigrants must have an opportunity to object before such transfers. This Supreme Court action permits the policy to continue while legal challenges against it proceed through the court system.