Streamlly Original
Turned Away At The Border
Reported by Alecia Venkataraman, Michael Jorge
- Published: Jul 6, 2026, 2:19 PM EDT
- Updated: Jun 29, 2026, 5:09 PM EDT
- Filed from: San Diego, CA, United States
- Duration: 45 sec
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on June 25, 2026 that the government can turn away asylum seekers at ports of entry before they set foot on U.S. soil.
The case, Mullin v. Al Otro Lado, hinged on whether someone stopped at the border line, a step short of U.S. soil, has "arrived" to request asylum. The majority said no, reviving a practice known as "metering" that was used at crossings like San Ysidro before being rescinded in 2021.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor read her dissent aloud from the bench, warning the ruling lets the government keep people out at the threshold. Justices Kagan and Jackson joined her. Supporters say it restores orderly control of the border. Critics say it cuts off asylum before a claim can be heard. The decision permits the practice but does not, by itself, restart it.
Credits
- Foreste Jean FeelyActor - Guard
- Kuno van der PostActor - Asylum Seeker
- Alecia VenkataramanCinematic Journalist, Director
- Michael JorgeCinematographer, Senior Video Editor
- Rachel CapuanoCasting Producer
Transcript
For a century, the law said if I reached this line, they, they would have to listen.
Well, just this week, the court said they can turn you back at the door.
What you're watching is happening one step from American soil.
I've walked 2,000 miles to stand on this line.
I'm sorry.
Not today.
And that's allowed now.
Asylum seekers can be turned away before a claim is even heard.