Judges vs. Deportation: A Temporary Lifeline 🛟

This Week’s Immigration News Highlights

• DHS Cuts Funding to Groups Helping Undocumented Immigrants

• Former Taliban Ambassador Detained

• More Than Half of US Support Deportations but Support is Weaker for Trump Tariffs

When Judges Step Into Immigration: TPS and the Courts 👩🏽‍⚖️

One thing I get asked all the time is, “Can a federal judge stop the immigration policy?” The answer is yes. It happens, especially with programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

For those unfamiliar, TPS is a lifeline for people from countries dealing with war, natural disasters, or other crises. It’s not a green card, and it doesn’t lead to citizenship. However, it allows people to legally live and work in the U.S. for as long as the designation stands.

Here’s where federal judges come in. The executive branch, through the Department of Homeland Security, decides who gets TPS and for how long. But sometimes, when the government tries to end TPS for a specific country, it gets challenged in court. And that’s when federal judges step in.

A few years ago, we saw courts block the termination of TPS for countries like El Salvador and Haiti. The lawsuits argued that the government didn’t follow proper procedures or acted with bias. Judges looked at the evidence and said, “Hold up, this needs to be reviewed more carefully.”

These rulings remind me that the legal system can work as a check on power. But they also show how fragile TPS protections are. A temporary court order can provide relief, but it’s not a permanent solution. The lives of hundreds of thousands of people end up in limbo - again.

So, while I’m grateful when the courts step in, we need long-term legislation. TPS holders deserve stability, not just a pause button on deportation.

Why More States Are Making Their Own Immigration Laws 📜

Over the past few years, I’ve seen more and more states trying to pass their immigration laws, and clients are asking why it’s happening now. The short answer? The federal government isn’t doing enough, and states are tired of waiting.

Immigration is technically a federal issue. The Constitution makes that clear. But when Congress stalls, which it often does, states feel pressure - especially border states or ones with large immigrant communities.

Sometimes, these laws are restrictive. Think of laws like Texas’s SB4, which allows local police to arrest people suspected of being undocumented. Other times, states go the opposite way. Thus, creating sanctuary policies, offering in-state tuition for undocumented students, or giving access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status.

I’ve worked with families living in two states with totally different rules. One state offers support and a bit of safety; the other has harsh enforcement that makes daily life a gamble. And honestly, it’s confusing, even for attorneys.

But what’s driving all this? A few things:

• Congress is gridlocked: We haven’t had major immigration reform in decades, and states are stepping in to fill the gap.
  

• Local politics: Some leaders use immigration to push a political agenda. whether it’s about cracking down or showing compassion.
  

• Community need: Immigrants are essential to many areas' workforce and local economies, and states want to respond accordingly.
  

Here’s the bottom line: states will continue to do their own thing until the federal government passes real, meaningful reform. And that means immigrants are navigating not just one system but 50 different ones.

That’s a Close on a Busy Week

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Even as federal immigration reform stalls, we’re seeing judges and state leaders step in. Sometimes to protect, sometimes to challenge. It’s not perfect, but it shows that change is still possible at many levels. With continued advocacy and growing public awareness, lasting and compassionate immigration reform can still be within reach.

Until next time, enjoy, I’m going to enjoy my birthday (April 1st)! 🎂