California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that a U.S. District Court has blocked the Trump Administration's attempt to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela. The court's decision comes as litigation continues in the case of National TPS Alliance v. Noem, where efforts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to terminate TPS for Venezuelan nationals have been challenged.
TPS is a program allowing nationals from countries affected by conflict, disasters, or other temporary conditions to remain in the U.S. The effort to terminate TPS affects many Venezuelan nationals who have resided in the U.S. for years, often with family members who are U.S. citizens.
Attorney General Bonta, who co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in supporting the case, stated, "The court rightfully blocked the Trump Administration’s unlawful early termination of the Venezuela TPS designation as litigation continues. This order helps protect vulnerable individuals who are fleeing a humanitarian crisis, in search of safety and a better life for their families."
Bonta emphasized the importance of TPS holders in California, noting that the state is home to more than 72,000 TPS beneficiaries. He added, "California recognizes that TPS holders are integral parts of our communities and important contributors to our economy."
According to Bonta, Venezuelan TPS holders in California contribute significantly to the state's economy. "In California alone, TPS households earned $2.1 billion in income, paid $291.2 million in federal taxes, and paid $226.5 million in state and local taxes."
The blocking of the termination is viewed as a victory for TPS holders and an effort to protect them from what Bonta describes as the Trump Administration’s "heartless and unjustified attacks."
The court order is accessible for those interested in further details.