Supreme Court to hear arguments in case that could allow green cards for thousands who entered US illegally

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Monday in a potential landmark immigration case that could dramatically alter the fortunes of thousands currently living in the U.S. after fleeing countries with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Circuit courts have been split over whether those who entered the U.S. illegally but now have TPS protection can apply for green cards without first leaving the U.S. and applying to come back. In the case before the court on Monday, Sanchez v. Mayorkas, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled against green card applicants Jose Santos Sanchez and Sonia Gonzalez, reversing a lower court decision. A key issue is whether the granting of TPS protection constitutes "admission" to the U.S. for the purposes of another statute, which allows for the adjustment of status of someone if they have been "inspected and admitted or paroled" into the U.S.