Attorney Susham M. Modi Featured on LiveNOW from Fox
The future of more than one million individuals in the United States received a major boost after a district judge in San Francisco blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for individuals from Venezuela and Haiti. This decision ensures that TPS holders from these countries can continue to live and work in the U.S. while their protected status remains in effect.
Attorney Susham M. Modi, founder of The Modi Law Firm, PLLC in Houston, TX, was recently featured on LiveNOW from Fox to discuss the ruling, its legal significance, and what it means for impacted communities.
Understanding Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian program that allows individuals from designated countries to remain in the U.S. if returning home would pose significant risks due to conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. TPS holders are able to work legally and live without the constant fear of deportation, though the designation is meant to be temporary.
Importantly, as Attorney Modi noted, TPS is not available to everyone:
“These are not gang members or anything like that; they can’t even have two misdemeanors to get TPS.”
The program is reserved for individuals who meet strict eligibility requirements, underscoring its role as a humanitarian safeguard rather than a loophole in the immigration system.
The Court’s Decision
The blocked attempt to terminate TPS would have stripped legal protections from an estimated 1.1 million individuals, potentially leaving them vulnerable to deportation and forcing them to return to unsafe conditions.
Attorney Modi explained that the way the court issued this ruling is as noteworthy as the ruling itself:
“Yes, I think it will [impact other immigration situations]. And even the manner in which Judge Chen issued this decision… he actually used a different mechanism called vacatur, which is basically saying they didn’t follow the law properly, so it can’t be executed.”
This distinction matters because instead of issuing a sweeping universal injunction, the court determined that the administration’s action itself was unlawful, reinforcing the importance of following proper legal procedures in matters that affect so many lives.
Why This Matters
This ruling underscores the tension between immigration policy decisions made at the federal level and the protections afforded by the courts. For TPS holders, the decision provides temporary relief and the ability to maintain their lives, jobs, and families in the United States.
At the same time, Attorney Modi cautioned that the case is far from over:
“Because [this case] is not over, and this is crucially important, individuals that are affected, which is about over 1.1 million individuals, they should consult with a good immigration lawyer… if a court rules that this decision was not correct, and goes back and says TPS is no longer valid, then they’re going to have a much harder time.”
His advice highlights the importance of seeking legal guidance now while TPS protections are still in effect. For many, pursuing other forms of legal status, such as through education, family petitions, or employment-based avenues, may offer long-term security.
Attorney Modi’s Insight
As an experienced immigration attorney and professor of law, Susham M. Modi frequently provides analysis on pressing immigration issues for national and local media outlets. His commentary on LiveNOW from Fox reflects both his legal expertise and his dedication to ensuring the public understands the nuances of immigration law.
The Modi Law Firm, PLLC continues to serve individuals and families navigating complex immigration matters, including those seeking TPS, asylum, or other forms of relief. Attorney Modi and his team are dedicated to helping clients understand their rights and pursue legal options in uncertain times.
Looking Ahead
While the court’s ruling is a positive development for TPS holders, the future of the program remains uncertain. Immigration policy continues to shift depending on political leadership and ongoing litigation.
For individuals impacted by TPS designations, staying informed and seeking professional legal guidance is essential. At The Modi Law Firm, PLLC, clients receive the support of an attorney who not only practices immigration law but also contributes to shaping the national conversation. Attorney Modi’s recent appearance on LiveNOW from Fox reinforces his role as a trusted advocate and thought leader in immigration law.
To schedule a consultation with our Houston immigration law firm, reach out online or call (832) 514-4030 today.