A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s plan to end temporary protected status and work permits for more than 6,100 Syrians. The ruling prevents the termination from taking effect. At the same time, a legal challenge unfolds, creating a significant barrier to the administration’s broader efforts to scale back protections for multiple immigrant groups.
Federal Judge Halts Termination of Humanitarian Protections
A U.S. District Court judge in Manhattan issued an order on Wednesday blocking the Trump administration from ending temporary protected status, or TPS, for more than 6,100 Syrians. The decision prevents the policy change from taking effect as the lawsuit brought by seven Syrian migrants moves forward in federal court.
Judge Katherine Polk Failla found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims that the administration’s abrupt termination of TPS violated federal law. As a result, Syrians currently holding the designation will maintain protection from deportation and continue to access work authorization while the case proceeds.
Court Says DHS Failed to Follow Legal Requirements
During a virtual hearing, Judge Failla concluded that the Department of Homeland Security failed to meet the statutory requirements for terminating TPS. She noted that DHS did not properly reassess conditions inside Syria. It seemed they terminated based on political pressure rather than a careful factual review.
Her ruling identified a larger pattern: the removal of TPS designations for many countries occurred rapidly, raising concerns that DHS was not conducting the individualized analysis of country conditions required under the law. Courts around the country are currently reviewing similar challenges involving Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua.
The administration is expected to appeal the ruling.
Syrians First Received TPS in 2012
Temporary protected status is a humanitarian designation for migrants from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other serious problems. Syrians were first granted TPS in 2012 when the outbreak of the civil war destabilized the country and brought on major humanitarian crises.
This status has allowed Syrians to remain in the United States without the threat of deportation and enabled them to work legally to support their families. Advocates express alarm that ending TPS will force families back into situations that are still unsafe and where basic services are not available. That would also disrupt U.S. workplaces reliant on TPS holders.
Part of a Wider Push to End Longstanding Protections
The decision to terminate TPS for Syrians was part of a broader federal effort to cut protections for several groups of immigrants. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to move ahead with ending the program for nearly 600,000 Venezuelan migrants, signaling potential judicial support for broad changes to the program.
DHS has argued that TPS has been used beyond its intended scope and that many recipients no longer qualify for it. In its announcement ending TPS for Syrians, the department described Syria as a center of terrorism and extremism. It stated that extending humanitarian protections was contrary to U.S. interests. Wednesday’s ruling temporarily blocks that determination.
Looking Ahead
The ruling provides temporary stability for thousands of Syrian families while the legal case is ongoing, but uncertainty persists. With the litigation still active and the chance of an appeal, TPS holders have unresolved questions about long-term protection and future policy direction.
ImmigrationQuestion.com will continue monitoring developments, providing updates, sharing accessible information, and serving as a meeting ground where immigrants can ask questions, learn about their rights, and connect with licensed attorneys during this period of legal uncertainty.
For continued coverage and in-depth analysis of U.S. immigration policy and visa reforms, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
Get answers to your immigration questions from licensed immigration attorneys. For attorneys, use our innovative 3-in-1 case management software to improve your practice. Download our free app on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Resources
- https://www.reuters.com/world/us-judge-blocks-termination-temporary-legal-status-syrians-2025-11-19/
**ImmigrationQuestion.com is a networking platform founded by Immigration Attorneys. It serves as a meeting ground for licensed immigration attorneys and people with immigration questions. It is not a law firm. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS or AILA. Attorneys on this platform are independent and have the discretion to offer a free consultation and/or set their fees under the law.
