Story perspectives

Supreme Court to Review Asylum Policy from 1939 Incident

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case on asylum policy tied to 1939 M.S. St. Louis incident.
Al Otro Lado argues the 'metering' policy violated federal asylum laws by blocking seekers under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
The 9th Circuit ruled in favor of Al Otro Lado, saying border entry counts as arriving.
The administration seeks to overturn the ruling, with implications for immigration law and refugees' moral obligations.

History

Historical Context

In 1939, the M.S. St. Louis incident highlighted the U.S. government's refusal to accept over 900 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust, reflecting a broader reluctance to assist displaced individuals. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration denied entry, leading many refugees to perish in Nazi death camps. Today, the Supreme Court's review of asylum policies echoes this historical failure, influencing ongoing immigration debates in the U.S.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case on asylum policy tied to 1939 M.S. St. Louis incident.
Al Otro Lado argues the 'metering' policy violated federal asylum laws by blocking seekers under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
The 9th Circuit ruled in favor of Al Otro Lado, saying border entry counts as arriving.
The administration seeks to overturn the ruling, with implications for immigration law and refugees' moral obligations.

1 / 2