Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has requested that the U.S. Supreme Court fast-track a case that could potentially allow mass deportations of undocumented immigrants if he returns to the White House. The case centers around a Biden administration policy that prioritizes the deportation of immigrants deemed to pose threats to national security or public safety, rather than all those in the country illegally.
Trump’s lawyers are pushing the court to issue a ruling before the November 2025 presidential election, where immigration is expected to be a central campaign issue. If the court agrees, a decision could come as soon as late June or early July. The move signals Trump’s desire to use the ruling to support a broader and more aggressive immigration crackdown should he win a second term.
The case originally stems from a legal challenge brought by Republican officials in Texas and Louisiana, who argued that the Biden policy violates federal law by not seeking to deport every undocumented immigrant. Lower courts have delivered mixed rulings, but the Supreme Court’s decision could set a powerful precedent for future administrations.
In their filing, Trump’s attorneys said the policy “undermines the nation’s immigration system” and called for its immediate reversal. They argued that the administration’s “enforcement discretion” allows too many undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S., which they claim contributes to crime and economic instability.
The Biden administration, on the other hand, has defended its policy, saying it is necessary for efficient use of limited immigration enforcement resources. Administration lawyers argue that removing every undocumented immigrant is not only unfeasible but also would divert attention from threats like terrorism and organized crime.
Legal experts note that the court’s conservative majority could be more sympathetic to Trump’s stance. If the Supreme Court does side with his team and strikes down the current guidelines, it could give a future Trump administration broad authority to initiate sweeping deportations without needing to go through Congress.
Civil rights advocates and immigrant support organizations have condemned Trump’s legal move as another attempt to revive hardline immigration tactics from his first presidency. “This is a dangerous escalation that risks tearing apart millions of families,” said Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case on an expedited schedule could have significant political implications. A ruling in Trump’s favor would energize his base and may influence undecided voters who are concerned about immigration and border security.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is preparing for multiple potential outcomes. Officials say that even if the policy is overturned, they will seek ways to maintain a targeted enforcement approach to avoid overwhelming the immigration system.
The court has not yet indicated whether it will agree to expedite the case, but a decision on the timeline is expected soon. With the 2025 election season heating up, both political and legal observers are closely watching how the nation’s highest court handles one of the most contentious issues in American politics.
Source; Associated Press (AP)
