BOSTON, United States — A federal judge in Boston has allowed the administration of President Donald Trump to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 5,000 Ethiopians living in the United States, removing the last remaining judicial block against the termination. The ruling follows a broader series of legal battles over the administration’s efforts to end TPS protections for nationals of several countries.
- TPS protections: More than 5,000 Ethiopians could lose temporary protection from deportation and associated work authorization.
- Federal ruling: US District Judge Brian Murphy rejected several challenges to the administration’s termination of Ethiopia’s TPS designation.
- Supreme Court impact: The decision follows a June ruling that allowed the administration to end similar protections for thousands of Haitians and Syrians.
- Remaining legal challenge: Ethiopian plaintiffs can continue pursuing a claim that the termination was motivated by racial or national-origin discrimination.
Judge Lifts Final Block on Ethiopia TPS Termination
US District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston on Tuesday allowed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to proceed with ending TPS protections for Ethiopians covered by the designation.
Murphy’s decision removes the last remaining judicial obstacle to the administration’s action against the Ethiopia designation. The case had remained active even after the US Supreme Court issued a major ruling in June concerning the administration’s broader efforts to terminate TPS protections.
The Supreme Court’s decision allowed the Trump administration to end similar protections for thousands of people from Haiti and Syria. According to the supplied Reuters report, the ruling also significantly limited the ability of lower courts to review DHS decisions involving the termination of TPS designations.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary Protected Status is a form of humanitarian immigration protection available under US federal law to eligible nationals of countries experiencing conditions such as natural disasters, armed conflicts or other extraordinary circumstances.
People granted TPS can receive temporary protection from deportation and authorization to work in the United States while the designation remains in effect.
The status does not permanently change a person’s immigration status. Its continuation depends on the applicable legal designation and decisions by the US government.
Why Ethiopia Was Granted TPS
The administration of former President Joe Biden first granted TPS to eligible Ethiopians already living in the United States beginning in 2022.
The designation was based on concerns about armed conflict and humanitarian suffering in Ethiopia. The protection allowed eligible Ethiopian nationals to remain in the United States temporarily rather than face deportation while the designation was active.
The later decision to terminate the designation became the subject of litigation, with Ethiopian nationals and immigrant advocacy group African Communities Together challenging the government’s action.
Why Did the Trump Administration End Ethiopia’s TPS?
The Department of Homeland Security under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced in December that it would terminate Ethiopia’s TPS designation.
The administration argued that conditions in Ethiopia no longer presented a sufficiently serious threat to prevent eligible Ethiopians from safely returning to the country.
The decision was challenged in federal court. In April, Murphy temporarily blocked the termination after finding that DHS had disregarded statutory procedures and describing the stated rationale as “pretextual.”
Supreme Court Ruling Changed the Legal Landscape
The Ethiopia case took another turn after the Supreme Court’s June decision involving TPS protections for Haiti and Syria.
Following that ruling, Murphy issued another order temporarily keeping the block on the Ethiopia termination while he considered legal arguments that had not been addressed by the Supreme Court.
One of those arguments concerned which federal official has authority under the 1990 law establishing TPS to extend or terminate the protection.
Dispute Over DHS Authority
The plaintiffs argued that the original 1990 statute gave the attorney general authority to extend or terminate TPS designations. They contended that DHS could not exercise that authority because the department was created later, following the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Federal judges considering similar challenges involving nationals of South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia had rejected the same argument in recent days.
Murphy also rejected that argument in the Ethiopia case, along with other legal claims challenging the government’s authority to terminate the designation.
Discrimination Claim Remains Alive
Although Murphy rejected several challenges, the case is not completely over. The judge allowed the plaintiffs to continue litigating whether DHS’s decision was motivated by racial or national-origin animus.
The claim invokes the US Constitution’s Fifth Amendment. The plaintiffs have argued that the administration failed to adequately account for continuing dangerous conditions in Ethiopia.
They also allege that ending Ethiopia’s TPS designation formed part of a broader practice of eliminating deportation protections for people from non-white and non-European countries.
That portion of the litigation therefore remains separate from the legal arguments that Murphy rejected in Tuesday’s ruling.
DHS Welcomes the Court Decision
James Percival, general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, welcomed the ruling in a social media post.
“All TPS terminations are in effect!”
The plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to the supplied Reuters report.
Broader Trump Administration Push to End TPS Designations
The Ethiopia ruling forms part of a wider legal battle over the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate TPS designations for nationals of multiple countries.
The Supreme Court’s June ruling has strengthened the administration’s position by limiting judicial review of DHS decisions involving TPS terminations. The supplied report says the ruling affected efforts involving 13 countries.
Recent federal court decisions involving South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia have also rejected arguments challenging DHS’s authority to end TPS protections.
The series of rulings has created a significantly different legal environment for migrants whose temporary protections were granted under previous administrations.
What the Ruling Means for Ethiopian TPS Holders
The ruling allows the administration to move forward with ending the TPS designation for eligible Ethiopians who had been protected from deportation under the program.
The practical consequences include the potential loss of the temporary protection associated with TPS and the work authorization linked to that status. The continued constitutional litigation, however, means the legal dispute over the government’s motivation has not been completely resolved.
The case illustrates the tension between the executive branch’s authority over immigration policy and legal challenges alleging that statutory procedures or constitutional protections were violated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when Ethiopia’s TPS designation ends?
Eligible Ethiopian nationals who relied on TPS may lose the temporary protection from deportation and work authorization associated with the designation. The precise consequences for an individual can depend on that person’s broader immigration circumstances.
Is the legal challenge against Ethiopia’s TPS termination completely over?
No. Judge Brian Murphy rejected several legal challenges but allowed the plaintiffs to continue litigating their claim that DHS’s action may have been motivated by racial or national-origin animus in violation of the Fifth Amendment.
What Happens Next?
The administration can proceed with the termination of Ethiopia’s TPS designation following Murphy’s latest ruling, while the remaining constitutional claim continues in court.
The decision also adds to a growing body of federal court rulings concerning the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate TPS protections for nationals of multiple countries. The outcome of the remaining discrimination claim could determine whether another aspect of the Ethiopia case remains subject to judicial scrutiny.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for general news and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules, court orders and individual legal circumstances can change, and affected individuals should consult a qualified immigration attorney or authorized legal professional for advice about their specific situation.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
