The Supreme Court had a busy month releasing immigration decisions in June, with a trifecta of landmark holdings affecting green card holders’ reentry, TPS, and birthright citizenship.
On June 23, 2026, in a 6-3 ruling in Blanche v. Lau, the Supreme Court made it easier for border officials to re-classify returning lawful permanent residents (green card holders) as initial applicants seeking first time admission to the United States. Green card holders enjoy permanent authorization to live and work in the U.S. While certain serious criminal convictions can result in removal proceedings, they are ordinarily entitled to a hearing with an immigration judge before they can be deported.
That protection becomes more complicated when permanent residents return to the U.S after traveling abroad. By default, they are treated as already “admitted” to the country when they arrive at U.S. Immigration. However, a permanent resident who has engaged in criminal activity could be treated as a new
