No. 20-315October Term 2020Decided Jun 7, 2021Updated May 24, 2026
Sanchez v. Mayorkas
This case concerned whether a person who entered the United States unlawfully but later received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) could still adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Case status
Decided 9-0 · June 7, 2021 · Opinion by Justice Kagan
Read the opinion (PDF)- Current stage
- Decided
- Latest event
- Decision released Jun 7, 2021
- What it's about
This case concerned whether a person who entered the United States unlawfully but later received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) could still adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident. Jose Santos Sanchez argued that TPS should count as a lawful admission for that purpose, while the government said it does not.
Question presented
Whether, under 8 U.S.C. § 1254a(f)(4), a grant of Temporary Protected Status authorizes eligible noncitizens to obtain lawful-permanent-resident status under 8 U.S.C. § 1255.
- Case path
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit / Decision released Jun 7, 2021
- Area
Decided Supreme Court case
Timing
Decided June 7, 2021
The Court released its decision on June 7, 2021 without hearing oral argument.
Documents
Activity
Docket activity3
Brief added: Questions Presented
May 24, 2026 | Court records
Opinion added: opinion
Jun 7, 2021 | Court records
Brief added: Petition
Sep 8, 2020 | Court records
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Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary-source trail available.
- Note
- Plain-English explainer. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Jul 25, 2026
- Method
- Methodology