The US Supreme Court has temporarily cleared the way for the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own.
The court on Tuesday granted the administration’s emergency request to suspend a lower-court ruling that had restricted the practice. The justices also agreed to hear the broader legal challenge in December.
The lower court had required migrants facing removal to a third country to receive meaningful notice and an opportunity to raise concerns about possible persecution or torture before deportation. The Supreme Court’s order puts that requirement on hold for now. Its three liberal justices dissented.
Administration Defends Deportation Policy
The Trump administration has defended third-country deportations as an important tool when migrants cannot be returned to their home countries.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the policy is particularly important for removing certain migrants, including people with criminal records. The administration has also cited diplomatic arrangements with third countries as a reason for the policy.
More than 25,000 migrants have reportedly been sent to 29 countries under the policy since its implementation, according to human rights groups cited by Reuters. Destinations have included Mexico, South Sudan, Uganda, Liberia and other countries.
Legal Challenge Continues
Opponents argue that migrants should receive a meaningful opportunity to challenge removal when they could face persecution, torture or serious harm in a third country.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in December. The justices are expected to examine whether the policy complies with federal immigration law and constitutional due process protections.
The latest order allows deportations to continue while the court considers the underlying legal questions.
