BOSTON (AP) — A U.S. court ruling in Massachusetts Friday temporarily paused the termination of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Somalia.
U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs’ ruling said there would be “weighty” consequences if Somalia’s TPS designation is allowed to expire Tuesday. Advocates filed an emergency motion in federal court seeking to pause the termination after the Trump administration promised to end the designation last month in an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, home to a large Somali population.
“Over one thousand people will face ‘a myriad of grave risks,’ including detention and deportation, physical violence if removed to Somalia, and forced separation from family members,” the ruling stated.
Burroughs indicated that implementing an administrative stay and deferring ruling on the postponement gives both sides time to file briefs on the emergency motion.
“While the stay is in effect, the termination shall be null, void, and of no legal effect,” Burroughs stated, ensuring those with TPS status or pending applications retain rights, including eligibility for work authorization and protection against deportation and detention.
In response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security criticized the ruling, arguing that it hinders efforts to restore integrity to the immigration system. “Temporary means temporary,” the statement explained, asserting that conditions in Somalia have improved sufficiently to revoke TPS protection as it no longer meets legal requirements.
Despite the opposition from the Trump administration, advocates for the Somali community expressed optimism, highlighting the temporary protection afforded by this ruling, even as they acknowledge ongoing challenges ahead.
