In a significant legal victory for Venezuelan immigrants in the United States, a federal court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans. U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen issued the ruling in NTPSA v. Noem, allowing Venezuelan TPS holders to retain work authorization beyond April 3 and deportation protections beyond April 7 while the case proceeds.
Judge Chen: Decision Based on Humanitarian, Economic, and Legal Grounds
In his 78-page ruling, Judge Chen strongly criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) attempt to terminate TPS protections, calling it an unlawful and harmful action. He emphasized the dire consequences such a move would have on TPS holders, their families, and the broader U.S. economy.
“The Secretary’s action threatens to inflict irreparable harm on hundreds of thousands of persons whose lives, families, and livelihoods will be severely disrupted, cost the United States billions in economic activity, and injure public health and safety in communities throughout the United States,” Chen wrote in his decision. “At the same time, the government has failed to identify any real countervailing harm in continuing TPS for Venezuelan beneficiaries.”
The court found that the administration’s reasoning for terminating TPS lacked legal justification and was based on false stereotypes. Judge Chen dismissed claims that Venezuelan TPS holders posed a criminal threat, stating that there was no evidence linking them to the Tren de Aragua gang or any other criminal activity.
TPS Holders, Advocacy Groups Celebrate Legal Win
The ruling was met with relief and celebration by TPS holders and immigration advocates. Jose Palma, coordinator of the National TPS Alliance, hailed the decision as a crucial step in protecting immigrant communities.
“Today’s victory is not just a legal win, but a testament to the strength of the TPS community and all who fight alongside us,” Palma said. “We will continue this fight with unwavering resolve, not only to protect the future of 350,000 Venezuelans but to defend all TPS holders in this country.”
M.H., a Venezuelan TPS holder and plaintiff in the case, expressed her gratitude for the court’s intervention.
“My daughter and I rely on TPS to live here. Without it, I would risk being separated from my husband and young son, both of whom are U.S. citizens,” she said. “I am beyond elated to know that the judge has granted protection while we continue this fight to protect my family and hundreds of thousands of others.”
Legal Arguments: DHS Violated Federal Law, Acted with Racial Bias
The lawsuit alleges that the DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to follow proper legal procedures in rescinding TPS protections. It also argues that the termination was unconstitutional and motivated by racial animus. Advocacy groups pointed to comments made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and former President Donald Trump, which they claim used racist rhetoric to justify the crackdown on Venezuelan immigrants.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs welcomed the court’s ruling as a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
“The court’s decision provides a crucial protection against mass deportations for a population that this administration has singled out for extreme vilification,” said Ahilan Arulanantham, faculty co-director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at UCLA. “This ruling ensures that Venezuelan TPS holders will continue to retain their rights while we fight for justice in court.”
Jessica Bansal, an attorney with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), added:
“Venezuelan TPS holders, like all TPS holders, are living and working lawfully in this country pursuant to a humanitarian program created by Congress 30 years ago. Today’s decision provides much-needed relief to them and their families.”
What’s Next?
With this ruling, Venezuelan TPS holders are protected—for now. However, the legal battle is far from over. The case will continue in federal court, and the Biden administration could appeal Judge Chen’s decision. If the administration persists in its attempt to terminate TPS, it could face further legal challenges from immigrant rights organizations.
For now, the ruling ensures that 350,000 Venezuelans can continue to live and work in the U.S. while their future remains uncertain. Advocates vow to keep fighting to ensure that TPS protections remain intact for all who rely on them.
Read Court Order Here
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