Appeals Court Blocks Trump's Asylum Suspension

A three-judge D.C. Circuit panel issued a 2-1 decision blocking President Donald Trump's suspension of the asylum process, finding it conflicts with the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The ruling targets a proclamation issued on the first day of Trump's second term and DHS guidance that barred asylum for migrants who crossed between ports of entry.

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt hailed the decision as potentially lifesaving, the White House said the Justice Department will seek further review, and Judge Justin Walker partially dissented.

Customs and Border Protection data cited fewer than 9,000 illegal migrant apprehensions per month at the southern border since Trump took office, and the panel upheld an earlier district court ruling that found the policy unlawful.

The administration plans to appeal, legal experts expect the case may reach the Supreme Court, and the high court is already considering a related dispute over where migrants can claim asylum.