Supreme Court Hears Noem v. Al Otro Lado on Asylum Access at US-Mexico Border

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Noem v. Al Otro Lado, a case that could permanently reshape asylum access at the southern border. The central question: whether a noncitizen stopped on the Mexican side of the border has 'arrived in the United States' under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Trump administration argues the turnback policy is a legitimate management tool; rights groups contend it violates federal immigration law's requirement to inspect and process asylum seekers who present themselves at ports of entry. Lower courts ruled in favor of asylum seekers. A ruling in the government's favor would provide statutory backing for metering and turnback policies.