The Trump administration's effort to strip hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan and Haitian migrants of legal protections has been ruled unlawful by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, marking a significant legal setback for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The ruling affirms the right of around 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians to continue residing and working legally in the U.S., as Judge Chen found the DHS's attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was not only unprecedented in its speed but also violated existing laws.

Established by Congress in 1990, the TPS program grants temporary protections to migrants from countries suffering from war, natural disasters, and other extraordinary conditions that render it unsafe for them to return.

In his 69-page decision, Judge Chen pointed to the dangerous conditions in Venezuela and Haiti, stating they are so severe that the U.S. State Department warns against travel to these nations. The judge criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's actions as both illegal and politically motivated.

In response, a DHS spokesperson contended that the TPS program had become a de facto amnesty and indicated the administration would explore its options for appeal. They emphasized a commitment to a secure and safe homeland, suggesting that judicial decisions should not undermine the will of the American people.

While the program was initially expanded by President Biden to include nations like Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Ukraine, former President Trump had sought to curtail these expansions upon his return to office. His administration previously announced plans to revoke TPS for several migrant groups, including those from Cuba and Nicaragua.

This ruling follows a series of legal challenges against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with litigants in favor of TPS arguing that the DHS lacked the authority to rescind protections granted previously.

Moreover, Judge Chen clarified that the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling regarding TPS did not prevent him from issuing further orders to protect these migrant groups, signaling a potential ongoing legal battle regarding the rights and safety of these vulnerable populations.

On the same day, a federal appeals court ruled against the Trump administration's cuts to foreign aid, further complicating the administration's position on immigration and international relations.

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