Court revives third-country deportations

The US Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s emergency request, temporarily suspending lower-court requirements that migrants receive notice and a chance to challenge removal to countries other than their own. The order allows third-country deportations to resume while the justices consider the administration’s appeal; arguments are scheduled for December.

• More than 25,000migrants removed under the policy — Since it began last year
• 29 countriesreceived migrants under the policy — Most were sent to Mexico
• 3 justicesindicated they opposed the request — The order was unsigned

Q1

What counts as a third country?

It is a country other than the migrant’s country of origin, including one with which the person has no prior connection.

Q2

Why does the administration use this policy?

The administration says some origin countries refuse returns, and it needs the practice to remove people with criminal records.

Q3

What did the lower court require?

The lower court required effective advance notice of the destination and an opportunity to raise fears of persecution or other harm.

Q4

What has the Court done before?

The Court had previously allowed deportation flights to continue temporarily during an earlier stage of the same policy dispute.