WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is currently deliberating whether the Trump administration can revive a controversial immigration practice known as 'metering', which restricted the number of migrants eligible to apply for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
While some justices seem open to the Justice Department's request to overturn a previous ruling against metering, concerns about potential violations of asylum laws persist. Advocates argue this policy contributed to humanitarian issues, forcing migrants into makeshift camps in Mexico.
The administration defends metering as a 'critical tool' used during various administrations, asserting it may be necessary in the future if border capacity is exceeded. However, critics maintain that it undermines the rights of asylum seekers, who, per U.S. law, should be able to apply once they reach American soil, regardless of their method of entry.
In the past, metering was implemented during significant surges of migrant activity, first seen during the Obama administration and expanded during Trump's presidency. The policy was officially ended in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
