A federal judge on July 21 temporarily blocked the U.S. government from stripping work permits from immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and asylum seekers. The ruling halts a policy set to take effect on July 22 that would have revoked employment authorization for TPS holders and imposed new fees on asylum applicants.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton issued an injunction preventing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from enforcing new regulations tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress in July 2025. The law introduced fees for asylum applications and restricted work permits for TPS holders to one year or the duration of their status, whichever is shorter. The judge also barred USCIS from penalizing asylum seekers for failing to pay the new annual fee.
Deeper Dive & Context
The lawsuit was filed by immigrant rights groups and labor unions, arguing the new rules violated federal law governing TPS. The Trump administration defended the policy, stating that immigrants waited too long to challenge the regulations. The judge acknowledged the potential consequences, including deportation for asylum seekers who do not pay the fee, but ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
Policy Changes and Implications
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act marked the first time Congress imposed fees for asylum applications and restricted work permits for TPS holders. The Trump administration has sought to end TPS for over a dozen countries, with the Supreme Court recently allowing the termination of protections for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. The ruling will remain in place until Judge Gorton decides whether to issue a longer-term pause by August 5.
Opposing Perspectives
Immigrant advocates argue the new rules are illegal and disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. The government contends the changes are necessary to manage immigration processes and enforce existing laws. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions over immigration policy and executive authority.