US judge pauses termination of deportation protections for some Somali immigrants
A US court ruling in Massachusetts temporarily paused the looming termination of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Somalia.
US District Judge Allison D Burroughs’ ruling said there would be “weighty” consequences if Somalia’s TPS designation is allowed to expire on 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 during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, where many Somalis live. “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 said. Burroughs said 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,” the ruling said, noting that those with TPS status or pending applications will retain rights, including eligibility for work authorisation and protection against deportation and detention.
In a statement, the US Department of Homeland Security said the ruling by a judge appointed by former President Barack Obama is the latest example of preventing Trump from “restoring integrity” to the US immigration system.
