Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Bid to End Protections for 1 Million Venezuelans and Haitians in US
A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to end temporary protected status (TPS) for over 1 million Venezuelans and Haitians living and working in the United States. According to a court decision issued on Friday, US District Judge Edward Chen of San Francisco blocked the move by the Homeland Security Department that was set to expire their right to live and work in the country.
The ruling grants reprieve to approximately 600,000 individuals whose protections were set to expire on September 10. This development is significant as it preserves the legal status of a large group of people who have been living and working in the US under TPS, a program designed to protect nationals from countries experiencing conflict or natural disasters.
The Trump administration had attempted to end TPS for Venezuelans and Haitians, citing improved conditions in their home countries. However, Judge Chen ruled that the decision was arbitrary and lacked statutory authority. In his ruling, Chen stated that the Homeland Security Department's decision "was not based on a careful consideration of the relevant factors" and that it "failed to provide adequate notice and an opportunity for comment."
The move by the Trump administration had been met with widespread criticism from immigration advocates and lawmakers who argued that ending TPS would cause significant harm to the affected communities. According to a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which filed a lawsuit against the decision, "the court's ruling is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been living in limbo, unsure of their future in this country."
The temporary protected status program was established in 1990 to provide relief to nationals from countries experiencing conflict or natural disasters. The program has been used by several administrations, including that of President Biden, to grant protections to individuals from various countries.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), more than 600,000 Venezuelans and Haitians have been living in the United States under TPS since 2017. The program allows them to work, live, and travel freely within the country without fear of deportation.
In a statement, USCIS spokesperson Jessica Collins said that the agency is "reviewing the court's decision" and will "follow the instructions of the court." However, it remains unclear what the next steps will be for the affected communities.
The ruling by Judge Chen has been hailed as a major victory by immigration advocates who have been fighting to preserve TPS for Venezuelans and Haitians. According to a statement released by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), "this decision is a testament to the power of community organizing and advocacy."
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of over 1 million Venezuelans and Haitians living in the United States remains uncertain. However, for now, they have been granted a temporary reprieve from deportation.
Sources:
The Guardian
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.
