A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 600,000 Venezuelans, citing potential harm to hundreds of thousands of people, economic costs, and public safety concerns.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had ordered an end to the program, arguing it burdened local governments and included criminal elements.

However, Judge Edward Chen ruled the decision was likely unlawful and based on unconstitutional bias, the USA Today has reported.

The lawsuit, filed by Venezuelans and advocacy groups, argues it is unsafe to return to Venezuela, which remains in economic and political turmoil.

Written by B.C. Begley