**US Judge Blocks Trump's Attempt to Revoke Work Permits for Immigrants**
A federal judge in the United States has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Trump administration from revoking work permits for tens of thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This ruling comes as a significant relief for many individuals who rely on these permits for employment and stability in the country.
On July 21, 2026, US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton ruled in favor of immigrant rights groups and labor unions who had challenged recent policy changes by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The judge's order halts a policy that was set to take effect imminently, potentially impacting the livelihoods of many affected individuals.
In his five-page order, Judge Gorton highlighted the severe consequences that plaintiffs could face if the policies were enacted. He stated, “The consequences faced by plaintiffs are potentially severe,” indicating the urgency of the matter. The ruling will remain in effect while the court deliberates on whether to issue a more permanent injunction, with a decision expected by August 5.
The lawsuit, initiated earlier in July by a coalition of organizations represented by the legal group Democracy Forward, challenged several new policies introduced by USCIS. Among these changes was a new requirement for asylum applicants to pay an annual fee, which could lead to the rejection of pending applications and the revocation of work permits for those unable to pay. Additionally, the lawsuit contested the elimination of a long-standing rule that mandated the processing of initial asylum work permit applications within 30 days.
Critics of the policy changes argued that USCIS implemented these modifications without the necessary public input, violating legal requirements. The lawsuit also took issue with the retroactive application of these new rules to individuals from countries such as El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine, who are currently protected under TPS. This status allows individuals from nations experiencing war, natural disasters, or other crises to live and work legally in the US until it is deemed safe for them to return home.
Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, expressed gratitude for the court's decision, stating, “This decision protects thousands of asylum seekers and TPS holders from immediate and irreparable harm while this case moves forward.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining employment authorization for families who have adhered to the law and relied on humanitarian protections.
The ruling ensures that thousands of TPS holders from El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine can continue to work legally while the legal proceedings unfold. Although the judge did not block the collection of the new asylum fee, he did suspend the consequences tied to non-payment, such as application rejection or termination of work permits.
The controversial policy changes were part of President Trump's broader immigration agenda, encapsulated in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which was passed by a Republican-controlled Congress in July 2025. The administration has prioritized ending TPS protections for individuals from multiple countries, and last month, the US Supreme Court permitted the administration to terminate protections for thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants.
As the legal battle continues, the future of TPS and work permits for asylum seekers remains uncertain. The ruling by Judge Gorton represents a significant moment for immigrant rights advocates, who are concerned about the potential ramifications of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
USCIS has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the judge's ruling and its implications. As the case progresses, the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration policy in the United States is expected to intensify, with advocates and opponents alike closely monitoring developments.