Judge blocks ending protections for 1.1M Venezuelans and Haitians

On Sept. 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen issued a ruling that blocked DHS from ending Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans and Haitians.

The order protects roughly 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians, totaling about 1.1 million people. The ruling restores their TPS benefits while the government litigates further appeals.

Chen ruled that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem acted unlawfully under the Administrative Procedure Act. He found the agency's decision was arbitrary and capricious and said Noem exceeded statutory authority in ending protections.

The decision is a district court ruling that preserves TPS while appeals proceed. The Supreme Court had earlier allowed the administration to move forward in May 2025. Chen distinguished his order as addressing the merits rather than only granting preliminary relief. The ruling does not automatically restore status for people already deported or removed.

The court noted that dangerous conditions in Venezuela and Haiti informed its analysis. Venezuela faces political turmoil, economic collapse, and reports of persecution. Haiti continues to suffer gang violence and earthquake recovery challenges that undercut safe returns.