A federal judge dealt a major blow to the Trump administration on Friday by blocking efforts to end temporary legal protections for more than 1 million people from Venezuela and Haiti.
The ruling ensures these individuals can continue living and working in the U.S., at least for the time being.
U.S. District Judge Edward Chen of San Francisco ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exceeded her authority in attempting to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these groups.
Chen said Noem’s actions “exceeded her statutory authority and were arbitrary and capricious,” providing legal relief to 600,000 Venezuelans whose protections had expired in April or were set to expire on Sept. 10.
TPS allows individuals from countries experiencing natural disasters, political unrest, or unsafe conditions to reside and work legally in the U.S.
Designations are granted for six, twelve, or 18 months and can be extended if conditions remain dangerous, per the New York Post.
Without TPS, migrants face deportation and lose the ability to earn a lawful living.
Noem moved quickly after taking office to reverse three extensions granted by the previous administration.
She argued that conditions in Venezuela and Haiti had improved and that continued protections were not