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Topics: Donald Trump, US News, World News, Politics
Madison Burgess
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, World News, Politics
The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for Donald Trump to deport migrants to countries that are not their homeland, in a controversial new ruling.
It was revealed on Monday (23 June) that the justices have reversed a lower court order which previously required the government to give migrants a ‘meaningful opportunity’ to outline the risks they would face if they were moved to a ‘third country’.
But now, a 6-3 decision has overturned the restrictions, which were originally put in place by a Boston-based US District Judge.
This means migrants no longer have the chance to speak up about the harm they may face, including torture, persecution or even in the worst cases, death, and instead can be sent to countries where they have no ties and could be put at risk.
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The shock decision came off the back of an emergency request from Trump and no explanation was provided from the justices.
However, all three of the liberal justices dissented and have made their views on the controversial matter clear, calling the decision a ‘gross abuse’ and claiming it’s ‘rewarding lawlessness’.
As per the BBC, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued: “Apparently, the court finds the idea that thousands will suffer violence in farflung locales more palatable than the remote possibility that a district court exceeded its remedial powers when it ordered the government to provide notice and process to which the plaintiffs are constitutionally and statutorily entitled.
She added: "That use of discretion is as incomprehensible as it is inexcusable."
The particular case in question involves eight migrants who are from Cuba, Mexico, Laos, South Sudan, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Trump called them ‘the worst of the worst’ and his administration claimed they committed ‘heinous crimes’.
In May, they were all deported on a plane that was reportedly going to South Sudan, despite only one of them hailing from the country.
The National Immigration Litigation Alliance, who represented the migrants, dubbed the ruling as ‘horrifying’.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security have called the decision a ‘victory for the safety and security of the American people’.
Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, as per the Guardian: “DHS can now execute its lawful authority and remove illegal aliens to a country willing to accept them. Fire up the deportation planes.”
It comes amid Trump’s crackdown on the mass deportation of immigrants in the US.
Last month, the White House increased its goal for ICE officials to make at least 3,000 arrests per day - and since then, workplaces, shops, and hospitality venues have been scoured for individuals that have outstayed their visa limit.