Supreme Court Immigration Rulings: What They Mean for Asylum Seekers and TPS Holders in Oklahoma

By Olivia Terry, Immigration Attorney | Tulsa, Oklahoma

This analysis is based on recent public news coverage from Fox News, the Associated Press, and CNN regarding two significant Supreme Court immigration decisions issued in 2025.

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The Supreme Court has handed down two major immigration rulings that will reshape the landscape for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and individuals holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). As an immigration attorney serving families and individuals in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma, I want to help you understand what these decisions mean in practical terms and what steps you should take if you're affected.

Understanding the Two Separate Decisions

These rulings address two distinct areas of immigration law, affecting different groups of people. It's crucial to understand which category applies to your situation.

Decision One: Asylum Restrictions at the Border

The first Supreme Court decision allows the administration to revive a restrictive immigration policy that permits border officials to turn away migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border without allowing them to apply for protection.

What This Means: Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 208, individuals physically present in the United States or arriving at a port of entry generally have the right to apply for asylum. This new policy effectively restricts that right for certain individuals encountered at the southern border, potentially requiring them to remain in Mexico or be returned to their home countries without the opportunity to present their asylum claims to an immigration judge.

Who Is Affected: This ruling primarily impacts individuals who:

• Are currently attempting to enter the United States at the southern border
• Have not yet been admitted or paroled into the United States
• Would otherwise file Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Important Distinction: This decision affects prospective asylum applicants at the border. If you are already in the United States and have filed or plan to file Form I-589 with USCIS, or if you are in removal proceedings before an immigration judge with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), this particular ruling may not directly impact your pending case—though the broader policy environment remains uncertain.

Decision Two: TPS Judicial Relief Restrictions

The second ruling blocks Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients from seeking certain forms of judicial relief, limiting their ability to challenge immigration decisions in federal court.

What This Means: TPS is a temporary immigration status granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security under INA § 244 to nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS holders file Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) with USCIS and, if approved, receive employment authorization through Form I-765.

This Supreme Court decision restricts the ability of TPS recipients to seek judicial review of certain immigration determinations, potentially limiting their legal options when facing adverse decisions.

Who Is Affected: This ruling impacts individuals who:

• Currently hold TPS from countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Venezuela, Ukraine, or other designated nations
• Are seeking to challenge USCIS denials or other adverse immigration decisions in federal court
• May be attempting to adjust their status or pursue other immigration benefits

Critical Point: TPS is a nonimmigrant (temporary) status. It does not, by itself, provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence (a "green card"). However, some TPS holders may be eligible to adjust status to lawful permanent residence if they have an approved immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, or Form I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by an employer) and meet other eligibility requirements under INA § 245.

Actionable Steps for Those Affected

If You're Seeking Asylum

1. Do Not Attempt Irregular Border Crossings: Given these new restrictions, attempting to enter between ports of entry is more dangerous and less likely to result in the ability to pursue asylum claims.

2. Explore Alternative Pathways: Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for other forms of relief, including:

   • Humanitarian parole programs
   • Family-based immigrant visa petitions processed through the Department of State (DOS)
   • U visas (Form I-918) for crime victims
   • T visas (Form I-914) for trafficking victims

3. Consult Before Traveling: If you are outside the United States and considering seeking asylum, consult with an immigration attorney before making travel plans.

If You Hold TPS

1. Maintain Your Status: Continue to timely file TPS re-registration applications (Form I-821) when your country's designation is extended. Monitor USCIS announcements carefully.

2. Renew Employment Authorization: File Form I-765 to maintain your work authorization before it expires.

3. Explore Permanent Options: If you have been in the United States for many years under TPS, now is the time to explore whether you qualify for lawful permanent residence through:

   • Family sponsorship (immediate relative or family preference categories)
   • Employment-based sponsorship (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories requiring Department of Labor PERM certification or qualifying for National Interest Waiver)
   • Other forms of relief such as cancellation of removal (if in proceedings)

4. Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of your continuous presence in the United States, tax returns, and evidence of good moral character.

The Bigger Picture: An Uncertain Immigration Environment

These Supreme Court decisions reflect a broader trend toward more restrictive immigration enforcement. The legal landscape is shifting rapidly, and what is possible today may not be available tomorrow.

This is not the time to wait. If you or a family member has any potential pathway to permanent residence or other immigration benefits, it is critical to explore those options now with qualified legal counsel.

How New Horizons Legal Can Help

At New Horizons Legal, I work with individuals and families throughout Oklahoma facing complex immigration challenges. Whether you hold TPS and want to explore permanent residence options, have a pending asylum application, or are concerned about how these changes affect your family, I provide personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances.

Immigration law is complicated, and these recent Supreme Court decisions add new layers of uncertainty. You don't have to navigate this alone.

Take the next step today:

• Book a consultation: https://newhorizonslegal.com/booking
• Request an intake: https://newhorizonslegal.com/intake
• Call our office: +1 (918) 221-9438
• Email us: contact@newhorizonslegal.com

Your immigration future is too important to leave to chance. Let's discuss your options and create a strategy that protects you and your family.

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Olivia Terry is an immigration attorney based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, serving clients throughout the state and beyond. This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each immigration case is unique and requires individual analysis.

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This analysis is inspired by publicly available news reporting. Immigration law changes quickly; speak with an attorney about your specific facts.

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