Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Policy, Extends TPS for Thousands

A federal judge delivered a significant blow to the Trump administration's immigration policies on Thursday, ruling to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 60,000 immigrants from Central America and Asia. This includes individuals from Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

TPS grants were on the chopping block as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to tighten immigration laws and increase deportations. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem argued that conditions in some countries, such as Honduras and Nicaragua, had improved significantly since the 1998 Hurricane Mitch, allowing them to rescind these protections.

U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson countered, stating the administration acted without a thorough review of conditions in the respective countries. She underscored the economic and familial hardships that removing TPS would cause, including a projected $1.4 billion hit to the U.S. economy. The case, along with its socio-political implications, is ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)