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The government of President Donald Trump faces a new legal battle following the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States.
According to the agency EFE, two organizations defending the rights of migrants filed a lawsuit this Thursday in a federal court in California, arguing that the measure is illegal and driven by discrimination.
The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security, decided to terminate the extension of TPS, reversing a decision made during Joe Biden's presidency.
This measure leaves about 600,000 Venezuelans at risk of deportation, with approximately 350,000 losing their protection in April and another 250,000 in September.
The plaintiffs, represented by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), the ACLU foundations of Northern and Southern California, and the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at UCLA, argue that the decision made by Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, is arbitrary and contrary to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
"Secretary Noem did not have the authority to 'undo' the legal extension of humanitarian protection for Venezuelan immigrants by the Biden administration. And the explanation for her decision is irrational and riddled with legal errors," stated Jessica Bansal, an attorney with NDLON.
Trump had already faced similar legal challenges during his first administration when attempting to cancel TPS for several nationalities. Now, this new revocation jeopardizes the stability of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who have found in the U.S. a means of protection from the crisis in their country.
The United States begins deportation flights to Venezuela
On February 10th, the United States began deportation flights to Venezuela, an event that occurred much sooner than expected and reaffirmed the tightening of immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump.
In parallel, the government of dictator Nicolás Maduro responded by reactivating the Plan Vuelta a la Patria, sending planes to repatriate Venezuelan citizens from American soil.
Frequently Asked Questions about the TPS Revocation for Venezuelans by the Trump Administration
Why did the Trump administration revoke TPS for Venezuelans?
The Trump administration decided to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans arguing that it was an arbitrary decision by the previous Biden administration and, according to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, allowed these individuals to violate U.S. laws. This revocation aligns with the stricter immigration policies of the current administration.
How many Venezuelans will be affected by the termination of TPS?
The revocation of TPS affects approximately 600,000 Venezuelans who are at risk of deportation, with 350,000 losing their protection in April and another 250,000 in September. This situation has created significant uncertainty among Venezuelans currently residing in the United States.
What arguments are presented in the lawsuit against the revocation of TPS?
The lawsuit filed by migrant rights organizations claims that the decision to revoke TPS is illegal and motivated by discrimination. They argue that the measure is arbitrary and contrary to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and that the Secretary of Homeland Security lacked the authority to reverse the TPS extension granted by the Biden administration.
What measures has Venezuela taken in response to the deportation of its citizens?
In response to the revocation of TPS and the beginning of deportation flights, the government of Nicolás Maduro has reactivated the Plan Vuelta a la Patria, sending planes to repatriate Venezuelan citizens from the United States. This is part of its efforts to prepare for the return of the deportees.
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