US: Supreme Court backs Trump, allows fast-track deportation to third countries
Harvinder Kaur
Washington DC (US), June 24, 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the federal government broader powers to deport certain immigrants, including convicted criminals, to so-called “third countries” — even if those individuals have no ties to the destination nations.
The ruling effectively revives a Trump-era policy, allowing for faster removals without fully hearing claims of danger or persecution in the countries where immigrants may be sent.
In a brief unsigned order, the court temporarily blocked a lower court decision that required the U.S. government to give immigrants a fair chance to prove they could face torture, violence, or death if deported.
The Supreme Court did not provide a detailed explanation for its decision.
The policy affects immigrants subject to removal under agreements the U.S. has made with certain foreign nations, such as South Sudan, which have agreed to accept deportees despite having no personal or familial connection to them.
Immigration advocates sharply criticized the ruling. “This decision removes vital protections and could put countless lives at risk,” said Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, which led the legal challenge.
“Sending people to countries where they face danger without proper legal review is unconscionable.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) praised the ruling. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called it “a win for American security” and emphasized that DHS is now authorized to act swiftly.
“We can now lawfully remove individuals who have no legal right to remain in the country, including those who pose safety risks,” she said.
The ruling allows the government to move ahead with deportations under international deals made with third countries. However, individuals may still attempt to file separate, individual claims to contest their deportation on humanitarian grounds.
The broader legal challenge remains ongoing, but for now, the Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant shift in how the U.S. handles immigration enforcement, especially regarding those with criminal records and contested asylum claims.