Kathmandu— A United States federal judge has authorized the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 5,000 Ethiopians, clearing the way for their potential deportation. The ruling on Tuesday permits the administration of President Donald Trump to end the legal protections granted to these individuals, despite warnings from rights groups about continued instability and dangers in Ethiopia. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling limiting judicial review of Homeland Security’s efforts to terminate TPS, and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict immigration and increase deportations.

Supreme Court Ruling Paves the Way

The judge's decision comes after a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling in June that narrowed the scope of judicial oversight regarding Homeland Security’s termination of TPS protections. While the initial case concerned recipients from Syria and Haiti, its implications extended to other nationalities challenging the premature end of their protected status. This effectively removed a key legal barrier preventing the government from ending TPS for individual countries.

Administration Celebrates Decision

Department of Homeland Security General Counsel James Percival announced the ruling on social media, stating that all TPS terminations are now in effect. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the “temporary” nature of the program and issuing a stark warning to those whose status has been cancelled: “If you are in our nation and your status has been terminated, you are here ILLEGALLY. You have two options: leave immediately or be swiftly deported.”

Concerns Remain About Conditions in Ethiopia

Critics argue that revoking TPS protections for Ethiopians is premature given the ongoing challenges within the country. The US State Department currently advises against travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, terrorism and landmines, issuing a level-three travel advisory. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security claimed conditions in Ethiopia “no longer pose a serious threat” to returning nationals. Diana Konate, deputy executive director of African Communities Together, expressed concern that the decision puts thousands of lives at risk.

Legal Challenges and Potential Appeals

Judge Murphy had previously paused the administration’s efforts to end TPS for Ethiopians while considering arguments not addressed by the Supreme Court. The court heard claims that the authority to terminate TPS before its expiration rested with the attorney general, not Homeland Security. While Murphy ultimately dismissed this argument, Tuesday's decision leaves open the possibility of an appeal based on allegations that the Trump administration’s decision was motivated by racial or national animus.

The ruling allows the government to proceed with ending TPS for Ethiopians, though legal challenges could still arise. Approximately 1.29 million people across seventeen countries currently benefit from TPS protections, and the Trump administration has sought to terminate protections for at least thirteen of those nationalities.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.