Judge Blocks Removal of Ethiopian Immigrant Protections

Ruling preserves temporary protected status for thousands of Ethiopians in the U.S.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:31pm

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A federal judge in Boston has halted the Trump administration's plans to strip deportation protections for several thousand immigrants from Ethiopia. The judge's order means about 5,000 Ethiopians will retain their lawful status and employment authorization while the merits of a legal challenge are considered.

Why it matters

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program allows immigrants to legally remain in the U.S. when conditions in their home countries make it unsafe for them to return. This ruling blocks the administration's efforts to end TPS for Ethiopians, preserving a vital protection for thousands of immigrants.

The details

Judge Brian E. Murphy issued an electronic order on Friday staying the termination of TPS for Ethiopia. This preserves the status quo while the court considers the merits of a legal challenge to the administration's plans to end the protections. The TPS program allows immigrants to stay in the U.S. for up to 18 months when armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions make it unsafe for them to return home.

  • The judge's order was issued on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Judge Brian E. Murphy

A federal judge in Boston who issued the order halting the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian immigrants.

Trump administration

The previous presidential administration that had planned to strip deportation protections for thousands of Ethiopian immigrants.

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What’s next

The court will now consider the merits of the legal challenge to determine whether the administration's plans to end TPS for Ethiopians can proceed.

The takeaway

This ruling preserves a vital immigration protection for thousands of Ethiopians in the U.S., blocking the Trump administration's efforts to strip them of their lawful status and employment authorization.