Trump asks Supreme Court to terminate TPS for Venezuelan migrants
The Trump administration is seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to overturn a lower court’s decision and proceed with its plan to end protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan nationals residing in the United States. The administration is urging the high court to block a ruling by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, which halted President Donald Trump’s efforts to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Venezuelan nationals in the country.
Solicitor General John Sauer argued that Judge Chen’s ruling interfered with the executive branch’s authority over immigration policy. He emphasized that the TPS program involves discretionary decisions related to immigration policy and should not be subject to judicial review. The administration is seeking to reverse the lower court’s decision, which postponed the termination of TPS protections for Venezuelan nationals that were set to expire in April.
The TPS program allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. legally if they are unable to return to their home country due to adverse conditions such as natural disasters or armed conflict. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem terminated the program for Venezuelan nationals on February 1, prompting legal challenges and Judge Chen’s ruling to delay the termination.
The lower court judge sided with plaintiffs from the National TPS Alliance, who argued that the termination of the program was unprecedented and potentially motivated by negative stereotypes about Venezuelan migrants. Sauer disputed these claims, stating that the decision was based on legitimate concerns and policy considerations rather than discriminatory intent.
If the Supreme Court grants a stay, the Trump administration will be able to proceed with its plans to deport Venezuelan nationals with TPS status. Sauer emphasized that the administration should have the authority to enforce its immigration policies without interference from the judiciary. Plaintiffs have until Thursday to respond to the Supreme Court’s request for further information.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate TPS protections for Venezuelan nationals are facing legal challenges, with the Supreme Court now being asked to intervene. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of immigration policy in the United States.
