Trump authorities petition Supreme Court to rescind legal safeguards for approximately 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants.
The Trump Administration Bids for Supreme Court Decision on Deportation of 350,000 Venezuelans
WASHINGTON D.C. - In a bold move, the Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court on May 2, 2025, aiming to rescind lower court rulings that shielded roughly 350,000 Venezuelans from potential deportation. This decision could put these refugees at risk, disrupting their lives and potentially costing the economy billions.
Lower court rulings, most notably from U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, had earlier granted a reprieve, halting the deportation process due to the severe impact it would have on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and the potential economic losses it could incur. A federal appeals court denied the administration's initial attempt to reverse Chen's decision.
The administration’s Solicitor General, D. John Sauer, argued that the executive branch possesses exclusive jurisdiction over immigration and foreign policy matters, accusing Chen of stepping beyond his judicial bounds. Sauer also contended that those affected by the end of TPS (Temporary Protected Status) might have alternative legal avenues to remain in the country, stating that the administration's decision to terminate TPS is not tantamount to a final removal order.
TPS was established by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries ravaged by natural disasters or civil unrest. The designation for Venezuelans was terminated by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in February 2025, with the protections set to expire on April 7. The Trump administration has sought to withdraw TPS for over a million migrants from various countries.
As of May 2, 2025, the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the administration's emergency stay request.
This move comes on the heels of other immigration-related decisions by the Trump administration, such as the transgender military ban and the ongoing Abrego Garcia deportation case. It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will respond to the administration's plea.
Sherman and Whitehurst wrote for the Associated Press
Further Reading
Temporary Stay Granted by Supreme Court on Additional Venezuelan Deportations under the Alien Enemies Act
Trump Administration Continues to Resist Judge's Orders in Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
Trump Seeks Supreme Court's Approval for Transgender Military Ban, at Least Temporarily
- The Trump Administration's emergency stay request for the deportation of 350,000 Venezuelans is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
- The Trump Administration argues that the executive branch has exclusive jurisdiction over immigration and foreign policy matters, a claim initially contested by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS), established by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries affected by natural disasters or civil unrest, was terminated by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in February 2025 for Venezuelans.
- If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the Trump Administration, it could lead to the deportation of 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially causing widespread disruption and significant economic losses.
- This move by the Trump Administration is part of a broader immigration-related political narrative, including the transgender military ban and the ongoing Abrego Garcia deportation case.
- The politics of immigration, including the ongoing TPS controversy, fall under the general news category, making it a subject of interest for news outlets such as the Associated Press.
