Federal Judge Halts Termination of Ethiopian Temporary Protected Status
A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a significant ruling blocking the Trump administration's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 5,000 Ethiopians residing in the United States. This decision prevents their potential deportation and allows them to continue living and working legally in the country.
Judge Criticises Administration's Disregard for Congressional Process
In his Wednesday ruling, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy strongly criticised the administration's actions, stating that the termination of TPS for Ethiopians was carried out "without regard for the process delineated by Congress." Judge Murphy, who was appointed by President Biden, emphasised the constitutional principle that "the will of the President does not supersede that of Congress" and that "presidential whims do not and cannot supplant agencies' statutory obligations."
Latest Legal Setback in Broader TPS Battle
This ruling represents the latest legal setback for the Trump administration's efforts to end TPS as part of its hard-line immigration policy. The decision comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of TPS holders from various nationalities are challenging the termination of their status in federal courts across the country.
The broader context reveals significant changes in TPS designations:
- During President Biden's administration, more than 1 million migrants from 17 countries were protected by TPS
- Since President Trump began his second term in January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security has terminated TPS designations for 13 of those countries
- Venezuelans comprised the largest group of TPS beneficiaries, followed by Haitians and Salvadorans
Background of Ethiopian TPS Designation
Temporary Protected Status was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters or civil strife, providing temporary work authorisation in increments of up to 18 months. The Biden administration initially granted TPS to Ethiopians living in the U.S. in 2022, citing the need to protect them from armed conflict and humanitarian suffering. This designation was extended in April 2024.
However, under the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security terminated TPS for Ethiopia in December 2025, asserting that the country no longer met the conditions required for the designation.
Immediate Reactions and Future Implications
Following Judge Murphy's decision, DHS reiterated its position that TPS is fundamentally a temporary status. DHS spokeswoman Lauren Bis responded to the ruling by stating it "is just the latest example of judicial activists trying to prevent President Trump from restoring integrity to America's legal immigration system."
The legal battle over TPS continues to unfold, with the U.S. Supreme Court scheduled to hear arguments on April 29 regarding the administration's efforts to terminate TPS for 6,100 people from Syria and 350,000 from Haiti. This ongoing judicial scrutiny highlights the complex intersection of executive authority, congressional intent, and humanitarian considerations in American immigration policy.
