The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Tuesday in favor of the Trump administration in a case concerning the government’s authority over lawful permanent residents facing possible removal due to criminal accusations. The decision involved Muk Choi Lau, a green card holder who was placed on immigration parole upon returning from a brief trip to China in 2012 after being accused of a counterfeiting offense.

Lau’s legal challenge argued that the immigration officer exceeded their authority by allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a streamlined process to remove him following his guilty plea to selling counterfeit clothing in New Jersey. He contended that this action circumvented constitutional protections and threatened his residency status without sufficient evidence.

In the majority opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas stated that immigration officials were not required to prove by clear and convincing evidence that Lau had committed a “crime involving moral turpitude” before imposing immigration parole. The ruling affirmed the government’s discretion to place permanent residents under parole while pursuing removal proceedings, even when criminal convictions are involved.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, expressing concern that the decision effectively condemned Lau to “immigration limbo” before a formal criminal conviction was established. She warned that this precedent could grant excessive power to the government, noting the decision was supported by the Court’s two other liberal justices.

The ruling drew criticism from advocacy group Alliance for Justice, which argued the judgment might substantially expand governmental authority to revoke green card status. In contrast, Advancing American Freedom, an organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, praised the decision as a crucial tool for removing individuals who misuse their lawful permanent resident status.

The case highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement powers and the balance between individual rights and government authority in immigration proceedings.