Disney Terminates Employment for Venezuelan Workers Following Immigration Policy Changes

Disney has laid off 45 employees of Venezuelan nationality after recent changes to immigration status. The Biden administration had previously allowed around 350,000 Venezuelans to enter the U.S. temporarily, but the Trump administration has now reversed that decision, instructing these individuals to return to Venezuela. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the government’s decision, affirming its authority to implement this reversal.

Consequently, Disney has informed affected Venezuelan workers that they would be placed on unpaid leave starting May 20. The company advised these employees to provide updated work and residency information by that date, or risk termination.

Disney stated, “As I sorted out the complexities of this situation, affected employees took leave with benefits to ensure they were not violating the law. We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all employees navigating these changing immigration policies and their impacts.”

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was established by Congress in 1990 for individuals who face danger due to natural disasters or social and political unrest in their home countries.

The U.S. Supreme Court has reviewed earlier court decisions that sought to prevent the cancellation of Venezuelan TPS, allowing the government to proceed as legal actions over this matter continue. The Court did not make a judgment on the reasons for terminating Venezuelan status but has let the administration carry on its policies while lawsuits are still pending.

Disney confirmed that the number of affected employees is 45, despite earlier reports suggesting that 300 were affected.