Supreme Court Allows 'Third Country' Asylum Policy to Proceed

Why it matters locally: While Rhode Island does not share a direct border, this federal policy could influence the flow of asylum seekers nationally and may eventually impact state and local resources dedicated to refugee and immigrant services.

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.