Attorney General Bonta: Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Unlawful Attempt to Terminate TPS Designation for Venezuela

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a motion to postpone in National TPS Alliance v. Noem, blocking the Trump Administration from unlawfully terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela while litigation continues. TPS is a critical humanitarian program that allows nationals of designated countries to remain in the United States due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions in their home countries. Last month, Attorney General Bonta co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in this case, challenging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unprecedented efforts to terminate TPS for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan nationals, many of whom have been in the United States for several years and live with family members who are U.S. citizens.

“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,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California recognizes that TPS holders are integral parts of our communities and important contributors to our economy: They are our neighbors, co-workers, caregivers, and job-creators. California is home to more than 72,000 TPS beneficiaries, the fourth most of any state. Our Venezuelan TPS holders are a resounding benefit to our state. 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. This court decision is an important win in our fight to protect those with TPS status from the Trump Administration’s heartless and unjustified attacks.”

A copy of the order is available here.