A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Donald Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Ethiopian nationals, adding to ongoing legal disputes over immigration policy. Brian Murphy ruled that the administration could not proceed with terminating the program, allowing protections for more than 5,000 individuals to remain in place while the case continues.
Temporary Protected Status, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, allows individuals from countries facing conflict or extraordinary conditions to live and work in the United States on a temporary basis. Ethiopia was granted TPS in 2022, with protections extended into 2026. The administration moved to end that designation in 2025, stating that conditions in the country no longer met the legal requirements.
In his ruling, Judge Murphy found that the process used to terminate TPS likely did not meet standards set under the Administrative Procedure Act. The decision follows an earlier temporary restraining order and reflects continued judicial scrutiny over how the policy change was implemented. The case highlights broader questions about how federal agencies must justify and execute major immigration decisions.
The dispute is part of a larger legal debate over executive authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act. While the law gives the executive branch discretion over TPS designations, courts have frequently reviewed such actions to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements. For now, the ruling provides temporary relief for affected individuals, though the long-term outcome remains uncertain as appeals and further litigation are expected.