Supreme Court: Asylum Seekers Turned Back While Still in Mexico Have Not ‘Arrived in the United States’ (Decision June 25, 2026)

On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in *Mullin v. Al Otro Lado* (No. 25-5) about when a person seeking protection at the U.S.–Mexico border is considered to have "arrived in the United States" under federal immigration law.

This case matters because parts of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) use the concept of *arriving in the United States* to describe when certain procedures apply — including inspection at a port of entry and when a person may apply for asylum.

What the Supreme Court held

The Court held that a person who is still physically in Mexico has not "arrived in the United States" for these INA provisions, even if they are trying to present at a port of entry.

The opinion includes this key statement: "An alien standing in Mexico does not ‘arriv[e] in the United States’ by attempting, and failing, to set foot in this country. An alien ‘arrives in the United States’ only when he crosses the border."

Because of that interpretation, the Court concluded that a person who remains on the Mexico side of the border is not yet entitled (under the provisions at issue) to apply for asylum in the way that someone already in the United States can, and the INA does not require an immigration officer to inspect the person at that point.

What this means for you

This decision may be discussed in the news using the term "metering" — a practice where the government limits how many people can be processed at ports of entry on a given day, and others are told to wait.

In plain language, the ruling supports the idea that federal agencies may treat people who are still outside U.S. territory (even at or near a port of entry) differently from people who have already crossed into the United States.

If you or a family member has questions about asylum options, legal entry options, or the risks of travel and border processing, it is important to get advice tailored to your facts — including where you are physically located, your prior immigration history, and any safety concerns.

This post is general information, not legal advice.

We can help

Asal Immigration Services helps Columbus-area clients understand immigration updates and how they may affect real-life options and next steps. If you want to discuss your situation, you can [contact us](/contact) to schedule a consultation. You can also review our [resources](/resources) and [forms and guides](/forms).

Authoritative source: U.S. Supreme Court opinion (June 25, 2026), *Mullin v. Al Otro Lado*, No. 25-5: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25-5_86qd.pdf