Supreme Court Confirms Government Power Over Border Asylum and Protected Status
最高法院確認政府對邊境庇護與受保護身份擁有權限
Introduction
On June 25, 2026, the United States Supreme Court made two important decisions. These rulings confirm that the Trump administration has the legal power to limit asylum applications at the southern border and end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain foreign citizens.
2026年6月25日,美國最高法院做出了兩項重要決定。這些裁決確認川普政府擁有法律權限限制南部邊境的庇護申請,並終止部分外國公民的臨時受保護身份 (TPS)。
Main Body
In the case of Mullin v. Al Otro Lado, the Court discussed what it means to 'arrive' in the U.S. A 6-3 majority, led by Justice Samuel Alito, decided that people who are physically in Mexico have not yet 'arrived' in the U.S. Consequently, they are not entitled to asylum screenings. This decision allows the government to continue using 'metering' policies, which let officials block entry at the border based on available space. However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed, asserting that this rule might encourage people to cross the border illegally and ignores the goal of protecting people fleeing danger.
在 Mullin v. Al Otro Lado 案中,法院討論了什麼才算作「抵達」美國。由大法官 Samuel Alito 領導的 6-3 多數票決定,身體仍在墨西哥的人尚未「抵達」美國。因此,他們沒有權利要求庇護審查。這項決定允許政府繼續使用「配額控制」政策,讓官員能根據可用空間封鎖邊境入口。然而,大法官 Sonia Sotomayor 表示反對,主張這項規則可能會鼓勵人們非法越境,且忽略了保護逃離危險人士的目標。
At the same time, in Mullin v. Doe, the Court ruled that the government's decision to end TPS cannot be challenged in court. This means the administration can remove legal status from about 350,000 Haitians and 6,100 Syrians. Although some argued that these decisions were based on racial prejudice, the majority found that the administration was simply reviewing all TPS programs. This ruling gives the executive branch more control over the TPS program, which currently helps 1.3 million people from 17 different countries.
與此同時,在 Mullin v. Doe 案中,法院裁定政府終止 TPS 的決定不能在法院被挑戰。這意味著行政部門可以取消約 35 萬名海地人和 6,100 名敘利亞人的合法身份。儘管有人認為這些決定基於種族偏見,但多數派發現行政部門僅是在審查所有 TPS 計畫。這項裁決賦予行政部門對 TPS 計畫更多控制權,該計畫目前幫助來自 17 個不同國家的 130 萬人。
These court decisions happen during a time of tension between the government and Congress. For example, Representative Mike Lawler expressed concern that deporting Haitian TPS holders could cause a healthcare crisis. On the other hand, the administration emphasized that the program was always meant to be temporary. Furthermore, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that physical and technological barriers are necessary to stop cartel activities, even though Congress has questioned the safety of detention centers.
這些法院決定發生在政府與國會關係緊張之時。例如,眾議員 Mike Lawler 表達擔憂,驅逐持有 TPS 的海地人可能會導致醫療危機。另一方面,行政部門強調該計畫一直被設定為臨時性質。此外,國土安全部部長 Markwayne Mullin 表示,實體與技術障礙對於阻止卡特爾活動至關重要,儘管國會曾質疑拘留中心的安全性。
Conclusion
These Supreme Court decisions significantly increase the president's power over border control and the removal of humanitarian protections, while reducing the ability of courts to oversee these policies.
這些最高法院的決定顯著增加了總統對邊境控制與撤銷人道主義保護的權限,同時降低了法院監督這些政策的能力。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Nuance Leap': Moving from Simple to Sophisticated
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using basic words like but, and, and so to connect your ideas. B2 speakers use Logical Connectors to show how two ideas relate to each other.
Look at these three powerful patterns found in the text:
1. The 'Contrast' Shift: However vs. On the other hand
At A2, you say: "The government likes this, but the judge does not." At B2, you use these transitions to create a professional flow:
- However: Used to introduce a surprising or opposite fact.
Example: "The government blocks entry... However, Justice Sotomayor disagreed."
- On the other hand: Used to compare two completely different perspectives (like a scale).
Example: "Lawler expressed concern... On the other hand, the administration emphasized the program was temporary."
2. The 'Result' Chain: Consequently
Instead of using "so" (which sounds like a child speaking), use Consequently. It tells the reader that the second event happened because of the first one in a formal way.
- A2: They are in Mexico, so they have no asylum.
- B2: They are physically in Mexico... Consequently, they are not entitled to asylum screenings.
3. The 'Addition' Layer: Furthermore
When you have a second point to add to your argument, don't just say "and also." Use Furthermore to signal that you are adding a stronger or more important piece of evidence.
- The Pattern: [Point A] [Point B] Furthermore, [Strongest Point C].
💡 Pro-Tip for the B2 Transition: Start your sentences with these words followed by a comma (,). This immediately changes how a native speaker perceives your level of English. It transforms a list of sentences into a cohesive argument.