The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 25, 2026, in favor of the Trump administration regarding immigration cases, specifically concerning Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals. In a 6-3 decision in the case of Mullin v. Doe, the court determined that individuals with TPS cannot seek federal court intervention to delay the revocation of their legal status while contesting the administration's policies. Additionally, the court ruled that migrants turned away at the southern border are not entitled to apply for asylum.
Following the ruling, Democratic leaders in New York and Massachusetts expressed strong opposition. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced measures to protect immigrants, including designating 'sensitive locations' to limit ICE enforcement. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams criticized the administration's approach, describing it as operating under a 'White supremacist lens.'
Justice Elena Kagan, in her dissent, suggested that the administration's actions were influenced by 'racial animus,' referencing statements made by Trump. However, Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion, indicated that the administration's opposition to TPS could be based on policy rather than targeting specific groups.
New York Attorney General Letitia James characterized the ruling as a 'betrayal of who we are supposed to be as a nation,' while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a legal hotline for affected immigrants. In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey criticized the decision, stating it does not benefit families or the economy.
The ruling also revealed divisions within the Republican Party, as Representative Mike Lawler expressed concerns that ending TPS for Haitians could negatively impact the U.S. healthcare system, where many TPS holders are employed. Lawler advocated for a structured process to maintain work authorizations for Haitian TPS holders.
The White House and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) viewed the rulings as affirmations of the law, with a spokesperson stating that TPS was never intended to lead to permanent residency.