Key Takeaways
• Supreme Court on May 19, 2025, allowed ending TPS protection for 350,000 Venezuelans under Biden’s extension.
• Disney suspended 45 Venezuelan workers on May 20, 2025, giving 30 days unpaid leave pending valid work authorization.
• Legal battles continue with a California judge reviewing the TPS rollback’s legality in an upcoming hearing.
On May 20, 2025, Walt Disney Co. took the dramatic step of suspending dozens of Venezuelan workers at its Florida operations, following a Supreme Court ruling that allows the Trump administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans. This decision, which immediately affected at least 45 Disney employees, marks one of the first major corporate responses to the court’s action and throws a spotlight on the real-world consequences of shifting U.S. immigration policy.
Who is affected? Venezuelan workers at Disney World in Florida, along with thousands of others across the United States, now face the risk of losing their jobs and legal status. What happened? The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end TPS for Venezuelans, reversing a Biden-era extension. When did this occur? The ruling came down on May 19, 2025, with Disney acting the next day. Where is the impact felt? The effects are most immediate in Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community with TPS. Why is this happening? The Trump administration is rolling back previous protections as part of its broader immigration agenda. How are companies responding? Disney, one of Florida’s largest employers, has placed affected workers on unpaid leave and warned of termination if they cannot secure new work authorization within 30 days.
This article explains the Supreme Court decision, Disney’s response, the legal and human impact on Venezuelan workers, and what the future may hold for those caught in the middle.
Supreme Court Ruling: What Changed for Venezuelan TPS Holders?
On May 19, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a brief but powerful ruling that overturned a lower court’s block on the Trump administration’s attempt to end TPS for Venezuelans. The decision did not address whether ending TPS was legal or justified, but it did allow the administration to move forward while legal battles continue.
Key facts about the ruling:
- TPS for Venezuelans was extended by President Biden in early 2025, giving 350,000 people an additional 18 months of protection, until October 2026.
- The Trump administration challenged this extension immediately after taking office, arguing that conditions in Venezuela no longer justified the protection.
- The Supreme Court’s decision affects 350,000 Venezuelans who received TPS under the Biden extension. Another 250,000 Venezuelans with TPS from an earlier group are not affected by this ruling.
- The legal fight is not over. The Supreme Court allowed the administration to proceed, but a federal judge in California will hold a hearing next week to consider whether the rollback is lawful.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program created by Congress in 1990. It allows people from countries experiencing war, disaster, or other crises to live and work legally in the United States for a limited time. For more details on TPS eligibility and current countries covered, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services TPS page.
Disney’s Response: Immediate Suspension and 30-Day Deadline
Disney, which employs about 82,000 people in Florida, acted quickly after the Supreme Court ruling. On May 20, the company sent emails to affected Venezuelan workers, informing them they were being placed on 30 days of unpaid leave. If they cannot provide new, valid work authorization by the end of this period, their employment will be terminated.
What does this mean for workers?
- Immediate loss of income: Workers are not paid during the 30-day leave, though Disney says they will continue to receive benefits during this period.
- Risk of job loss: If workers cannot secure another form of legal work authorization, they will be fired.
- Uncertainty and stress: Many workers are unsure if they will be able to stay in the United States or support their families.
A Disney spokesperson explained:
“As we sort out the complexities of this situation, we have placed affected employees on leave with benefits to ensure they are not in violation of the law. We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all our employees who may be facing changing immigration policies and how they could impact them or their families.”
Example scenario:
Maria, a Venezuelan cast member at Disney World, received the suspension email on May 20. She has lived in Florida for six years, pays taxes, and supports two children. With her TPS work permit now invalid, Maria has 30 days to find another way to stay legally employed. If she cannot, she will lose her job and could face deportation.
The Legal Battle Continues: What Happens Next?
While the Supreme Court’s decision allows the Trump administration to end TPS for Venezuelans, the legal fight is ongoing. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen in California, who previously blocked the termination of TPS, will hold a hearing next week to review the administration’s actions. Judge Chen has stated that the government’s reasoning for ending TPS “is entirely lacking in evidentiary support.”
What could happen?
- If Judge Chen rules against the administration: TPS protections could be restored, at least temporarily, for the 350,000 Venezuelans affected.
- If the administration prevails: TPS will end for these individuals, and they will lose both legal status and work authorization.
Other recent Supreme Court actions:
Just days before this ruling, the Supreme Court blocked the administration from using a wartime law to deport 176 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a Salvadoran prison. This shows that the rights of Venezuelan migrants are a recurring issue before the court.
Impact on the Venezuelan Community in Florida
Florida is home to the largest Venezuelan community in the United States, with about 225,000 Venezuelans holding TPS. In total, Florida has around 360,000 people with TPS, and 60% are from Venezuela.
Why is TPS so important for Venezuelans?
- TPS allows legal work and residence: Without it, many Venezuelans would be undocumented and unable to work legally.
- Many have built lives in the U.S.: Families have bought homes, started businesses, and sent their children to American schools.
- Returning to Venezuela is dangerous: The country remains in crisis, with political instability, economic collapse, and widespread shortages of food and medicine.
Personal story:
Carlos, another Disney employee, came to Florida in 2017 after fleeing violence and economic hardship in Venezuela. He has worked at Disney World for five years and sends money home to support his elderly parents. Losing TPS would mean losing his job and possibly being forced to return to a country where he fears for his safety.
How Are Employers Responding?
Disney’s decision to suspend Venezuelan workers is likely just the beginning. Other major employers in Florida and across the country are reviewing their own policies and may take similar steps.
What are companies required to do?
- Employers must verify work authorization: Under federal law, companies cannot employ workers who do not have valid authorization. This is done using the Form I-9, which all employees must complete.
- If work authorization expires: Employers must remove affected workers from payroll or risk penalties.
- Some companies may offer unpaid leave: As Disney has done, to give workers time to resolve their status.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, companies are under increasing pressure to comply with changing immigration rules, especially as enforcement actions have increased in recent years.
Government and Political Reactions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, called it “a win for the American people and the safety of our communities.”
Political context:
- President Trump’s administration has prioritized stricter immigration enforcement and has moved to end TPS for several countries.
- President Biden’s administration had extended TPS for Venezuelans, citing ongoing instability in Venezuela.
- Congress created TPS in 1990 to protect people from countries facing war, disaster, or other crises. Nationals from 17 countries are currently covered.
For official information on TPS and current country designations, see the USCIS TPS page.
What Options Do Affected Venezuelan Workers Have?
For the 350,000 Venezuelans whose TPS is at risk, the options are limited and challenging:
1. Seek another immigration status:
Some may be eligible for other forms of relief, such as asylum, family-based visas, or employment-based visas. However, these processes are complex, time-consuming, and often require legal assistance.
2. Apply for Deferred Action or other humanitarian relief:
In rare cases, individuals may qualify for deferred action or other forms of temporary protection, but these are not guaranteed.
3. Prepare for possible deportation:
If no other status is available, affected individuals may be subject to removal from the United States.
4. Consult with an immigration attorney:
Legal advice is critical. Many nonprofit organizations and legal clinics offer free or low-cost help to TPS holders.
Practical steps for workers:
- Check your work permit expiration date.
- Gather documents showing your time in the U.S., employment history, and family ties.
- Contact your employer’s HR department to discuss your situation.
- Seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Broader Implications for Immigrants and Employers
The Disney case highlights the uncertainty faced by immigrants whose status depends on temporary programs. It also shows the difficult position employers are in when immigration policies change suddenly.
For immigrants:
- TPS is not permanent: It can be ended at any time by the administration.
- Legal status can change quickly: Court decisions and policy shifts can have immediate effects.
- Planning ahead is essential: Immigrants should stay informed and seek legal help when needed.
For employers:
- Compliance is mandatory: Companies must follow federal law on work authorization.
- Communication is key: Employers should keep affected workers informed and provide support where possible.
- Policy changes can disrupt operations: Sudden loss of workers can affect business continuity.
What Comes Next?
The next steps depend on the outcome of the upcoming court hearing in California and any further legal appeals. For now, Disney’s Venezuelan workers and thousands of others across the United States face a 30-day countdown to either secure new status or lose their jobs.
Key takeaways:
- Affected workers should act quickly to explore legal options and gather documentation.
- Employers must monitor legal developments and be prepared to adjust their workforce policies.
- The situation remains fluid: Further court decisions or policy changes could alter the landscape again.
For the latest updates and practical guidance, TPS holders and employers can visit the USCIS TPS page and consult trusted immigration news sources.
Conclusion: A Human and Legal Crisis
The suspension of Venezuelan workers at Disney after the Supreme Court ruling is more than just a legal story—it is a human crisis affecting families, communities, and businesses. As the legal battles continue, the lives of 350,000 Venezuelans in the United States hang in the balance. Employers like Disney are forced to make tough decisions, while workers face the threat of job loss and deportation.
Immediate actions for those affected:
- Review your immigration status and work permit.
- Seek legal advice as soon as possible.
- Stay informed about court decisions and policy changes.
- Communicate with your employer about your situation.
As VisaVerge.com reports, the coming weeks will be critical for Venezuelan TPS holders, their families, and the companies that employ them. The outcome will shape not only the future of these individuals but also the broader debate over how the United States 🇺🇸 treats those seeking refuge and opportunity within its borders.
Learn Today
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A humanitarian program allowing nationals from crisis countries to live and work legally in the U.S. temporarily.
Work Authorization → Legal permission allowing immigrants to work in the United States, often tied to visa or TPS status.
Supreme Court Ruling → A legal decision by the highest court allowing the Trump administration to end TPS for Venezuelans.
Unpaid Leave → A temporary employment suspension without pay, used by Disney for affected Venezuelan workers after the TPS rollback.
Form I-9 → A federal document employers use to verify employees’ identity and legal authorization to work in the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
Disney suspended dozens of Venezuelan workers following the Supreme Court’s ruling ending their TPS protections. This affects 350,000 Venezuelans and threatens job loss and deportation amid ongoing legal challenges and company responses.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Miami lawmakers urge action after Supreme Court ruling on Venezuelan TPS
• Venezuela bans all Colombia flights after arrests over alleged plot
• Temporary Protected Status lets Venezuelans stay and work in the US
• Venezuelans jailed in El Salvador after US deportation sparks legal debate
• Supreme Court Clears Trump to End Venezuelan Protections
