Judge Prevents Trump Administration From Ending Deportation Protections For Many Migrants

Federal Judge Blocks Deportation Protections Changes

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plans to revoke deportation protections for many migrants from Central America and Asia.

U.S. District Court Judge Trina Thompson, appointed by the Biden administration and based in California, extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 60,000 individuals from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. This decision was made on Thursday in response to actions taken by Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem, who had previously announced the end of this protected status, leading to legal challenges.

In her ruling, Judge Thompson appeared critical of the Trump administration, labeling it as discriminatory. She stated, “Freedom to live fearlessly, opportunities for freedom, and the dream of America. That’s what every plaintiff wants. Instead, they are told to atone their race, leave for their names and cleanse their blood. The court disagrees.”

The Department of Homeland Security has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Originally established by the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS protects certain foreigners from deportation if their home countries are facing conflict or natural disasters. Hondurans and Nicaraguans were first granted this status in 1999 after Hurricane Mitch caused significant destruction. Nepal was added to the list following the catastrophic earthquake in 2015.

One significant criticism of TPS is its “temporary” designation, despite being updated various times over the years.

Since regaining control, the Trump administration has aimed to terminate TPS for other nations, including Haiti and Afghanistan. Secretary Noem has stated that conditions in Nicaragua and Honduras are safe for return, citing improvements in tourism and industry.

DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin mentioned that TPS was not designed to function as a long-term asylum program and has been misused for years.

The TPS status for approximately 7,000 Nepali nationals is set to expire on August 5th, while protections for about 51,000 Hondurans and 3,000 Nicaraguans were scheduled to end on September 8th. However, Judge Thompson’s ruling has temporarily extended these deadlines.