Mexico

SCOTUS Hears 'Remain in Mexico' Dispute

APR 26 2022·Updated JAN 20 2023

Story

Image credit: Getty Images [via NPR]

The Facts

SCOTUS began on Tues. to hear arguments from the Biden admin. in its latest bid to end the Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" policy.
nytimes
Justices heard oral arguments in an appeal of a lower court ruling reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) based on a provision of a 1996 US immigration law that says US officials "may return" certain immigrants to Mexican territory pending immigration proceedings.
Reuters
This policy requires asylum-seekers, mainly from Central and South America, to either be detained in the US or stay in Mexico while awaiting hearings.
NPR
Soon after taking office, the admin. determined MPP wasn't in the interests of the US, but Texas and Missouri sued to keep the program in place, claiming it reduces the flow of people through the southern border.
Independent
The case raises questions about immigration law, and a president's control over policy and his diplomatic relationships with neighboring countries.
CNN
SCOTUS is expected to release a decision this summer.
New York Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

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PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Right narrative

"Remain in Mexico" is important for the safety of Americans; it prevents a massive inflow of migrants from entering the US, and limits the ability of drug cartels and human smugglers to operate.

FOX News

Left narrative

MPP is inhumane and inflicts harm on vulnerable people; the Trump administration even admitted in court more than two years ago that those in the program risk cartel kidnappings. It's time to end this harmful program.

Daily Kos

Democratic narrative

The lower-court ruling and the decision by a panel appeals court against the administration have no basis in precedent or law, but are politically partisan decisions by a Trump-appointed judge and Republican panel.

Vox