The U.S. Supreme Court concluded its nine-month term this week, issuing several rulings that affected executive power, immigration policy, and election laws. The court's 6-3 conservative majority issued decisions that both supported and restricted the administration's policy goals. In a significant ruling on federal agencies, the court overturned a 1935 precedent, allowing the president to dismiss leaders of independent regulatory agencies at will. However, the court also ruled against the administration's attempts to fire a Federal Reserve official and rejected a challenge to birthright citizenship.
On immigration, the court upheld the administration's authority to end deportation protections for citizens of Haiti and Syria and supported measures to block asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. Conversely, Chief Justice John Roberts authored a 6-3 opinion rejecting an executive attempt to end birthright citizenship, stating there was insufficient legal evidence to support the administration's interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
Regarding elections and social issues, the court rolled back portions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, allowing states more latitude in redrawing congressional districts. The justices also struck down spending limits on political committees coordinating with candidates, citing free speech protections. In another case, the court upheld the validity of counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day if they were postmarked by the date of the election. Additional rulings during this term also favored conservative positions on transgender rights and firearm regulations.