In a major blow to the Trump administration, a federal judge in the US has granted relief to more than 8,400 immigrants and their families. The court has blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to revoke their legal status.
Which judge gave the order?
Boston-based US District Judge Indira Talwani issued a preliminary injunction late Saturday night, blocking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from terminating the humanitarian parole of thousands of people from seven Latin American countries.
People of which countries got relief?
The countries affected by this decision are Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and are family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders in the United States.
How did these people reach America?
These people were allowed to come to America under the Family Reunification Parole Program.
The program, which was launched or modernized under Democratic President Joe Biden, allows US citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to allow their family members to stay in the US until their immigration visas become available.
Why did the Trump administration want to end the program?
Since Donald Trump became president, his administration has tightened immigration rules. A record budget of $170 billion has been allocated to immigration agencies through September 2029. On December 12, the Department of Homeland Security stated that these programs are inconsistent with the Trump administration’s immigration policy, that they are being abused, and that they allow “low-vetted aliens” to circumvent the traditional parole process. On this basis, the department wanted to eliminate these programs.
What did the court say?
Judge Indira Talwani acknowledged that abruptly ending the program could cause serious harm to thousands of families. Although the program’s termination was scheduled to take effect on January 14th, the judge first imposed a temporary restraining order for 14 days so that the matter could be thoroughly considered for a long-term injunction.
What is the meaning of this decision?
For now, more than 8,400 people will be able to live legally in the United States. The Trump administration will not be allowed to immediately deport them or revoke their legal status. A final court decision in the coming days will determine whether these programs will continue. This decision is considered a key part of a larger political and legal battle in the United States over immigration policy, humanitarian relief, and family reunification.