Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Revoking Immigrant Work Permits

U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton issued a temporary order blocking the Donald Trump administration from stripping work permits from tens of thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward, a liberal legal group, alongside a coalition of labor unions and immigrant rights organizations.

The plaintiffs argued that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unlawfully implemented restrictions from a 2025 tax and spending law. They contended the agency lacked statutory authority for retroactive application and failed to provide public notice, specifically impacting TPS holders from Ukraine, Sudan, and El Salvador.

While the court did not prevent USCIS from collecting new asylum application fees, Judge Gorton ruled that the agency cannot revoke work permits from individuals who fail to pay those fees. This temporary pause remains in effect until August 5, when the judge is scheduled to decide on a longer-term injunction.