Disney has let go of 45 Venezuelan employees following the revocation of their immigration status under the Trump administration.
The Biden administration had previously allowed around 350,000 Venezuelans to enter the U.S. quickly, granting them temporary legal status. However, the Trump administration has annulled this status, informing these immigrants that they need to return to Venezuela. This month, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the administration has the power to implement this decision.
Consequently, Disney has communicated to its Venezuelan employees that, starting May 20th, they will be placed on unpaid leave.
The company instructed those affected to update their work and residency details by the 20th or face potential layoffs.
“As we navigated this complicated situation, the impacted employees took leave with benefits to remain compliant with the law,” Disney stated. “We are dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all employees who are dealing with shifting immigration policies and their implications for them and their families.”
Temporary protected status (TPS) was established by Congress in 1990 for individuals facing threats in their home countries due to disasters or sociopolitical turmoil.
The U.S. Supreme Court has examined a ruling from a lower court that blocked the administration from ending Venezuelan TPS and permitted the government to move forward with its plans while related lawsuits are ongoing.
The Court did not evaluate the legality of terminating the TPS but allowed the administration to maintain its policies as the lawsuit proceeds.
