The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate its decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelan migrants, a move that would leave them vulnerable to deportation.

The Justice Department’s request seeks to overturn a federal judge’s March ruling that blocked the decision by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end TPS. That ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, emphasized the severe human and economic consequences of removing protections from Venezuelan nationals, citing threats to public safety, families, and the national economy.

Judge Chen also questioned the legality and motives behind the termination, stating it appeared “unauthorized by law” and “motivated by unconstitutional animus.” A federal appeals court recently declined to pause the ruling, prompting the administration’s urgent appeal to the high court.

The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has drawn sharp criticism from legal advocates, who argue that Venezuelans are being detained and targeted despite legal protections still in place under TPS. The move marks a stark shift from the Biden-era policies that extended protections in response to Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.