Supreme Court Endorses Key Trump Immigration Policies

Why it matters locally: While Idaho does not share a border with Mexico, federal immigration policies, including those related to asylum and public charge rules, can impact the state's demographics and social services that support immigrant populations. Decisions regarding the diversion of military funds for border wall construction could also indirectly influence federal spending priorities that might otherwise benefit national infrastructure or defense projects relevant to Idaho.

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The Trump administration frequently presented its immigration policies to the Supreme Court for approval. The Court largely validated these policies, with one notable exception. The Supreme Court supported the administration's efforts to restrict asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border. This support allowed the implementation of new rules for asylum seekers. The Court also affirmed the administration's changes to the public charge rule. This rule expanded the criteria for denying green cards to immigrants who might use public benefits. Furthermore, the Court granted the administration authority to divert military construction funds. These funds were repurposed for building sections of the border wall. This decision enabled the administration to advance a cornerstone campaign promise. However, the Supreme Court did not permit the administration to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census. The Court determined that the administration did not provide sufficient justification for adding the question. This denial marked the primary instance where the Court rejected a significant immigration-related proposal from the administration.