New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday criticized a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows the Trump administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants.
In a statement, James said the ruling undermines protections that Congress created for people fleeing armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
“TPS was created to protect those from countries suffering armed conflict and humanitarian crises,” James said. “Today, there are countless Haitian and Syrian New Yorkers with TPS who were counting on our country to uphold our commitments as they build lives free from the fear and turmoil they fled. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has now let the Trump administration rip that protection away.”
Temporary Protected Status, commonly known as TPS, allows eligible nationals from designated countries to live and work in the United States when conditions in their home countries make it unsafe to return. Haiti and Syria have been among the countries covered by the program because of ongoing humanitarian and security concerns.
James said the court’s action would create uncertainty for immigrants who have established lives in the United States.
“This ruling is a betrayal of our values and of the promise our country made to protect people from displacement, repression, and harm,” she said. “Hundreds of thousands of TPS holders have built families, careers, businesses, and communities here in the United States. They are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and loved ones, and they deserve more than to have their lives thrown into chaos by a cruel and reckless administration.”
The attorney general also pledged continued support for immigrant communities.
“My office will continue to stand with immigrant communities and fight for the people who came to this country seeking safety and helped build our state and nation in return,” James said.
James has been involved in multiple legal efforts challenging the termination of TPS. Her office said she led several amicus briefs opposing the administration’s efforts to end the protections, including briefs submitted to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court’s decision permits the administration to proceed with its policy while legal challenges continue. The ruling could affect hundreds of thousands of TPS holders nationwide, including many residents of New York.
