The US Supreme Court on Tuesday, September 29, allowed the Trump administration to continue deporting certain immigrants to "third countries" where they have no connections. The order temporarily blocks a lower-court ruling that had found the policy unlawful for denying immigrants a chance to raise safety concerns before removal.

The court's three liberal justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson — dissented. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in December and is expected to issue a definitive ruling next year.

What does the ruling change?

The decision lifts, for now, a finding by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy that deportations to third countries without proper notice and a chance to challenge them were unlawful. Removals under the policy can proceed while the case remains pending.

The policy took effect in January 2025, at the start of President Trump's second term. According to the Migration Policy Institute, roughly 15,000 people were deported to third countries in 2025, with Mexico receiving the majority. Destinations have included South Sudan, Eswatini and Rwanda.

Who is affected?

The case was brought by four unnamed immigrants who argued they deserve a "meaningful opportunity" to contest their deportations. Plaintiffs contend that removals carried out without regard to potential persecution or torture expose people to serious harm.

The Trump administration, represented by Solicitor General D. John Sauer, argues that no individualized determination is needed because agreements with receiving countries guarantee that immigrants will not be mistreated. Sauer also told the court that suspending the policy had created logistical problems and diplomatic concerns.

This marks the third time the administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the dispute.

What have advocates said?

Immigration advocates have criticized the policy as putting deported immigrants at risk of torture or persecution. Trina Realmuto, a lawyer with the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, voiced concern about the immediate danger now facing people slated for removal under the resumed policy.

What happens next?

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in December. A final decision is expected in 2027. Until then, third-country deportations may continue under the September 29 order, with the dissenting justices on record as would-be deniers of the administration's request.

Anyone affected by a third-country removal order should track the Supreme Court's docket and consult official court filings and government guidance rather than unofficial sources for the current state of the rules.