In a landmark decision that brings relief to thousands of immigrants, including a significant number of Nigerians, a United States federal appeals court has rejected an attempt by former President Donald Trump’s administration to end legal protections for over 400,000 migrants currently residing in the U.S. under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.
The ruling, handed down by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, marks a major victory for TPS holders from countries including Nigeria, El Salvador, Haiti, Sudan, and others, who have faced years of uncertainty since efforts to terminate their status were initiated during the Trump presidency.
The court found that the Trump administration's justification for ending the program was "arbitrary and capricious," and that the termination was heavily influenced by racial and anti-immigrant bias, making the move legally indefensible.
This decision ensures that TPS beneficiaries can continue to live and work legally in the U.S., shielding them from deportation while their home countries remain unsafe due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
For Nigerians under the TPS umbrella, this ruling represents renewed hope and stability, especially for families who have built lives, careers, and businesses in the United States over the years.
Immigration advocates and legal experts hailed the decision as a win for justice, human rights, and the rule of law. They urge the Biden administration and Congress to work toward a permanent legislative solution that provides a path to citizenship for TPS holders.
The verdict underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding U.S. immigration policy and is expected to have far-reaching implications for future attempts to alter the status of vulnerable immigrant communities.
