ILAP Decries SCOTUS Decision Allowing Administration to End Venezuela Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 People

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025
CONTACT: press@ilapmaine.org

The Supreme Court issued a ruling on Monday that will allow the administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Venezuela who registered under the 2023 designation. Approximately 350,000 people will lose protection. ILAP estimates more than one hundred people in Maine will be affected, either by losing TPS directly or a family member losing their TPS protection and work permit.  

ILAP’s Executive Director, Sue Roche said: “Congress created Temporary Protected Status to provide life-saving protection to people in the U.S. who cannot safely return to their home country due to catastrophic conditions. This is exactly the case with Venezuela, which is facing one of the largest humanitarian disasters in the world with the vast majority of the population unable to access adequate food, healthcare, and with rampant human rights violations. Given these clear realities, congressional intent, and the administration’s unambiguous racial animus towards Venezuelans, the Supreme Court’s decision is legally baffling and will have disastrous outcomes for individuals and families here in Maine as well as our workforce. None of this serves the United States in any way. We call on Congress to act to protect Maine’s communities.” 

Members of Congress have introduced bi-partisan legislation to protect Venezuelan TPS holders. ILAP urges Maine’s Congressional delegation to support this bill.

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