Federal Judges Block Trump Administration's Deportation Plans for Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans

Judges Rule Against Trump Administration on Deporting Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans In a significant blow to the Trump administration's immigration policies, federal judges have ruled against deporting a group of Guatemalan children and slashing protections for many Venezuelans in the US. The decisions, handed down by Judge Timothy Kelly and other judicial authorities, come as part of ongoing legal challenges to the administration's handling of immigration cases. According to court documents, Judge Kelly ordered the administration to refrain from deporting 76 Guatemalan minors being held in US custody while a legal challenge plays out. The judge sharply criticized the administration's unproven assertion that the children's parents wanted them deported, stating that "there is no evidence to support this claim." The ruling is seen as a major victory for immigration advocates who have long argued that the Trump administration's policies are inhumane and unjust. "This decision is a testament to the power of the judiciary to hold the executive branch accountable," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. In a separate case, a federal appeals court ruled against the administration's attempt to slash protections for Venezuelans with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The TPS program allows certain nationals from countries experiencing conflict or natural disasters to live and work in the US without fear of deportation. The administration had sought to end the program for Venezuelan nationals, but the appeals court blocked this move. The Trump administration's immigration policies have been widely criticized by advocates and lawmakers alike. Critics argue that the policies are designed to deter immigration rather than address the root causes of migration. "This is not about enforcing the law; it's about using fear and intimidation to control people," said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The latest developments come as part of a broader trend in which judges have increasingly challenged the Trump administration's immigration policies. In recent months, courts have blocked several key initiatives, including the "public charge" rule, which aimed to deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits. As the legal battles continue, advocates are calling on lawmakers to pass comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration and provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. "This is not just about winning court cases; it's about creating a fair and humane immigration system," said Rodriguez. Background: The Trump administration has been at odds with judges over its handling of immigration cases, particularly those involving unaccompanied minors. In 2018, the administration announced plans to reunite families separated at the border, but critics argued that the effort was too little, too late. The latest rulings are seen as a significant setback for the administration's efforts to restrict immigration. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that the latest rulings have significant implications for society, particularly in terms of the treatment of unaccompanied minors and the future of TPS holders. "These decisions send a clear message that the courts will not tolerate inhumane treatment of vulnerable populations," said Dr. Cristina Rodriguez, a professor of immigration law at Harvard University. Current Status: The Trump administration has vowed to appeal the latest rulings, but advocates are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for change. As one advocate noted, "This is just the beginning; we will continue to fight for justice and compassion in our immigration system." Next Developments: The ongoing legal battles are expected to continue in the coming weeks and months. Advocates are calling on lawmakers to pass comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration and provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. As one advocate noted, "This is not just about winning court cases; it's about creating a fair and humane immigration system." *Reporting by Theguardian.*