Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Bid to End Protections for 1M Haitians and Venezuelans

Judge Blocks Ending of Legal Protections for 1M 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 people from Haiti and Venezuela, granting them the right to live and work in the United States. The decision by US District Judge Edward Chen of San Francisco on Friday means that approximately 600,000 Venezuelans whose TPS expired in April or was set to expire on September 10 will have their status reinstated. According to court documents, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's actions in terminating and vacating three extensions granted by the previous administration exceeded her statutory authority and were arbitrary. Judge Chen stated that Noem's decision "exceeded her statutory authority and was arbitrary and capricious." The ruling is a significant victory for advocates who have been fighting to preserve TPS, which allows individuals from countries affected by conflict or natural disasters to temporarily live and work in the US without fear of deportation. "We are thrilled with the court's decision," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. "This is a major win for the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who will now be able to continue living and working in the United States." TPS was first granted to Haitians in 2010 after a devastating earthquake struck the country, and to Venezuelans in 2021 due to the country's economic crisis. The Biden administration had attempted to extend TPS for both groups, but the Trump administration had sought to end it. The decision has significant implications for the affected communities, who have been living and working in the US under TPS for years. Many have built lives, started businesses, and contributed to their local economies. "This is not just a victory for Venezuelans and Haitians, but also for the entire community that has been impacted by this policy," said Rodriguez. "We hope that this decision will send a clear message to policymakers that TPS is a vital tool for protecting vulnerable populations." The ruling is a setback for the Trump administration's efforts to restrict immigration and limit access to TPS. The decision also highlights the importance of judicial review in ensuring that government actions are lawful and fair. As the case continues, advocates will be watching closely to see how the decision affects other countries and communities affected by conflict or natural disasters. Background: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program that allows individuals from designated countries to temporarily live and work in the US without fear of deportation. The program was created in 1990 and has been used to protect hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. The Trump administration had sought to end TPS for both Haitians and Venezuelans, citing concerns about national security and economic stability. However, advocates argued that the decision would have devastating consequences for the affected communities. Additional Perspectives: Immigration experts say that the ruling is a significant victory for advocates who have been fighting to preserve TPS. "This decision sends a clear message that TPS is a vital tool for protecting vulnerable populations," said Rodriguez. "We hope that this decision will send a clear message to policymakers that TPS is a vital tool for protecting vulnerable populations." The decision also highlights the importance of judicial review in ensuring that government actions are lawful and fair. Current Status: The ruling means that approximately 600,000 Venezuelans whose TPS expired in April or was set to expire on September 10 will have their status reinstated. The decision is a significant victory for advocates who have been fighting to preserve TPS. As the case continues, advocates will be watching closely to see how the decision affects other countries and communities affected by conflict or natural disasters. *Reporting by Theguardian.*