A US federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from closing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. Monday‘s decision stayed deportations for thousands, as US District Judge Edward Chen denounced the administration‘s rationale as racist, basing it on bogus assertions that the majority of Venezuelans in the US are criminals.
Judge Denounces ‘Racist’ Motivation
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intended to allow TPS for Venezuelans to lapse on April 7. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that the majority of TPS holders from Venezuela were criminals. Judge Chen dismissed the assertion as untrue and discriminatory.
It is apparent that (Noem) committed general negative stereotyping about Venezuelan TPS recipients,” Chen wrote. To act on “negative group stereotypes” constitutes a “classic case of racism,” he said. The temporary stay prevents DHS from implementing the expiration, giving TPS holders time to appeal the action in court.
US Tough Deportation Strategy
Trump has pushed forcefully for bulk deportations since returning to the White House. Though overall deportations are lower than in previous administrations, his methods are theatrics. Immigration authorities have shackled detainees in public view and shipped them on military aircraft.
Earlier this month, Trump used the Alien Enemies Act to send Venezuelans to a well-known prison in El Salvador, despite a judge’s order to halt the flights. The administration says the individuals being deported are affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, but families say they are innocent.
TPS protects foreign nationals who cannot go back home because of war or crisis. Before leaving office, Joe Biden extended protections for Venezuelans. As of March 2024, Pew Research says there are an estimated 1.2 million people living in the U.S. who are eligible for TPS, and Venezuelans make up the most populous group.
Trump previously tried ending TPS during his first term but met with legal opposition. With this latest decision, his administration faces yet another courtroom fight.
