The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Venezuelans and Haitians in the United States remains in effect, at least for now, thanks to a court decision blocking its cancellation. The ruling represents a relief for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who faced the threat of losing their legal immigration status as of April.
Judge Edward M. Chen of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an injunction on March 31, 2025, preventing President Donald Trump’s administration from proceeding with its attempt to terminate TPS for Venezuelans and Haitians, which was to take effect on April 7.
Why did it slow down?
According to the ruling, the decision to cancel TPS was “arbitrary, capricious and illegal,” and the judge argued that no solid grounds were presented to demonstrate that conditions in Venezuela and Haiti have significantly improved since the benefit was granted.
The ruling represents relief for hundreds of thousands of immigrants
QueOnnda.com
The magistrate also noted that the attempted elimination may have been motivated by prejudice.
He recalled that the TPS program exists to protect people whose lives would be at risk if they return to their countries of origin.
Who does TPS protect?
Buzzy
In the United States, TPS currently protects more than:
350,000 Venezuelans (direct and eligible beneficiaries)
500,000 Haitians, according to U.S. Citizenship and ImmigrationServices (USCIS) figures.
These individuals are authorized to live and work legally in the country without fear of deportation.
However, the program does not offer a direct path to permanent residency, so many of them continue to live with legal uncertainty.
Organizations such as America’s Voice and the ACLU celebrated the ruling as a temporary victory, but warned that the fight is not yet over.
The Trump administration has already announced that it will appeal the decision, so the fate of TPS will continue to be debated in the courts.
For immigrants covered by this status, it is recommended to be attentive to official notifications from DHS and to renew their permit within the established deadlines.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
