Syrian nationals residing in the United States are breathing a collective sigh of relief after a federal court in New York issued a temporary stay against the planned termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 6,100 Syrians. The order, issued in response to a lawsuit, prevents the current administration’s policy from taking immediate effect.
While the court’s decision offers a temporary reprieve, many Syrians remain anxious, awaiting a final ruling. Hazem Rihawi, an activist with Syrian-American organizations, acknowledged the importance of the court’s stay, but emphasized that the challenge lies in the practical implications of the TPS termination. He stated that while Syrians dream of returning home, they require time to finalize their affairs, especially as Syria continues to grapple with reconstruction efforts.
TPS is a humanitarian program established by Congress in 1990, designed to offer refuge to immigrants from countries facing extraordinary circumstances such as armed conflict. Beneficiaries of TPS receive protection from deportation and are granted work authorization in the United States. Syrians were initially granted TPS in 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian revolution.
Abdul Razzaq al-Halabi, a Syrian residing and working in Georgia, is one such beneficiary. He expressed deep concern and anxiety following the announcement of the TPS termination, stating that it has negatively impacted his health as he contemplates the future for himself and his family.
Seven Syrian plaintiffs, supported by human rights organizations, have filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of Homeland Security, aiming to compel the US government to continue providing protection and work permits to thousands of Syrians on legal and humanitarian grounds.Megan Hauptman, an attorney with the International Refugee Assistance Project, representing the plaintiffs, argues that ending TPS for Syrians would have devastating consequences.
