South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a coalition of 22 states on Apr. 3 in filing a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the Trump administration’s decision to terminate temporary protected status for immigrants from certain countries.
The issue is significant because it addresses whether courts have the authority to review decisions by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding temporary protected status, which affects both immigration policy and state interests in federal law application. The amici states argue that these decisions are not subject to judicial review under federal law, emphasizing their interest in uniform enforcement and finality of court mandates.
“In a time where our nation faces significant security threats at home and abroad, the U.S. Attorney General should be able to operate within the law without federal judges overstepping their authority,” Wilson said.
After the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia paused efforts to end temporary protected status for individuals from Haiti, an appeal was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, where this amicus brief was submitted by Iowa and joined by South Carolina among other states.
“Our nation is still grappling with four years of a wide-open border,” Wilson said. “I applaud the Trump administration for taking seriously the need to protect our citizens by ensuring our immigration policies are not abused by those who could pose a serious threat to our national safety.”
The South Carolina Attorney General operates as the state’s primary legal advocate and enforcer, handling prosecutions and regulations according to its official website. The office also supports victims of crime through advocacy and resources, contributing to community safety according to its official website. Alan Wilson has served as head of this office according to its official website, which extends operations statewide according to its official website.
The Attorney General’s responsibilities include enforcing laws related to securities and consumer protection as well as collaborating with state law enforcement agencies on criminal prosecutions according to its official website.
Looking ahead, observers will watch how this Supreme Court case shapes future limits on judicial review concerning federal immigration policy.
