Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of Homeland Security, et al., Petitioners v. Al Otro Lado, a California Corporation, et al.

The Supreme Court heard arguments over whether a noncitizen stopped by U.S. officials on the Mexican side of the border has legally “arrive[d] in the United States” under federal immigration law. The case challenges the government's metering policy, which keeps some asylum seekers from stepping onto U.S. soil to make claims.

The case was argued on 2026-03-24, and the Court has not issued a decision yet. The dispute centers on whether being stopped on the Mexican side of the border counts as arriving in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The answer could affect when and how asylum seekers may ask for protection at the border. For example, it could shape what happens to people turned back while waiting to present themselves at a port of entry.

The Court is deciding whether a noncitizen stopped on the Mexican side of the border has still legally arrived in the United States. That answer affects the asylum claim process.

Asylum seekers turned back at or near ports of entry could be directly affected. So could border officials applying the metering policy.

The justices will issue an opinion after hearing argument. A decision is generally expected by late June or early July of the term.