Massachusetts TPS Holders Sue Trump Administration Over Work Permits
A coalition of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients in Massachusetts has sued the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security. Delays and new regulations threaten thousands with loss of work authorization.
A group of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients in Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit challenges new regulations and fees that, combined with processing delays, threaten to leave thousands of TPS holders unable to work.
The core issue is that work permits for individuals from El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine are set to expire on July 22, even though their underlying TPS status is valid until later. New rules prevent individuals with pending renewal applications from working, creating a critical gap in work authorization for those awaiting their renewed permits.
This situation affects an estimated 45,000 TPS holders in Massachusetts, many of whom work in essential sectors like healthcare and construction. The lawsuit argues that these individuals face significant hardship and potential job loss due to bureaucratic delays and restrictive new policies.
A USCIS spokesperson described the legal complaint as a "frivolous lawsuit" intended to undermine immigration policy. The plaintiffs contend that the administration's actions create an impossible situation for TPS holders who depend on their jobs to support their families and contribute to the economy.