May 13, 2025

A federal judge blocks termination of TPS for Venezuelans

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 350,000 Venezuelans. U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen’s ruling applies to those who registered under the October 3, 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela. This decision comes from the case National TPS Alliance, et al. v. Noem, et al.

Before this order, these individuals were at risk of losing their work permits on April 2, with their TPS expiring on April 7. Now, they can continue working and remain under TPS protections while the court order is in place.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has one week to file an appeal, and the plaintiffs have the same timeframe to request a delay in Secretary Kristi Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s TPS designation, which is currently set to expire on August 3, 2025.

Judge Chen ruled that Secretary Noem’s move to end Venezuela’s TPS violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. He emphasized that this decision could cause serious harm to hundreds of thousands of people—disrupting their lives, families, and jobs—while also costing the U.S. economy billions and harming public health and safety.

Additionally, Judge Chen pointed out that DHS did not provide a valid reason for ending TPS for Venezuelans and that the decision appeared unlawful, arbitrary, and discriminatory.

Parole for Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua

This ruling does not address Secretary Noem’s separate March 25, 2025 decision to end the CHNV humanitarian parole program for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. That program is still set to expire on April 24, 2025, or when an individual’s humanitarian parole period ends—whichever comes first.

Legal Advice

Changes in immigration laws are constant. The current administration announces daily updates and modifications to processes. It has also altered and cancelled some benefits. For this reason it is recommended that you seek the help of a specialist. 

Attorney Diana Bailey has over 20 years of experience in the immigration field. Call our toll free number (866) 521-6422 for a free consultation, Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm.