Background and Context
The Walt Disney Company has temporarily suspended approximately 45 Venezuelan employees without pay, following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that authorized the government to revoke temporary protected status (TPS) for around 350,000 Venezuelan migrants. This information was confirmed by Disney to AFP on Thursday.
Who is Affected?
The TPS allows citizens of countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work in the United States safely. Under the administration of former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans were granted TPS due to the authoritarian nature of Nicolás Maduro’s government and the threats it posed to its citizens.
Disney’s Response
Disney informed these employees that they would be dismissed after 30 days if they do not secure an alternative work authorization. The company stated, “We have placed the affected employees on leave with benefits to ensure compliance with the law.” However, employees will not receive pay during this period.
Impact on Venezuelan Employees
The decision has left many Venezuelan Disney employees feeling anxious, as reported by the Miami Herald. One employee, a woman in her forties, expressed her concerns about outstanding bills, recent rent renewals, and her son’s university tuition.
TPS Extension Under Biden and Subsequent Revocation
In January, coinciding with Maduro’s inauguration, President Biden extended TPS for Venezuelans by 18 months, from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026. However, the administration of former President Donald Trump, who received support from many Venezuelan-Americans in the recent elections, decided to annul this TPS extension for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans.
Supreme Court’s Role
On Monday, the Supreme Court allowed the government to suspend this extension while a federal appeals court reviews a lawsuit filed by several affected individuals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is TPS? Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation given to eligible nationals of certain countries who are already in the U.S. or who arrive here after the designation’s effective date. TPS provides them with temporary protection from deportation and allows them to work in the U.S.
- Why were Venezuelans granted TPS? The TPS was granted to Venezuelans due to the authoritarian nature of Nicolás Maduro’s government and the threats it posed to its citizens.
- How many Venezuelans are affected by the revocation of TPS? Approximately 350,000 Venezuelans are affected by the revocation of TPS.
- What is Disney’s role in this situation? Disney has temporarily suspended 45 Venezuelan employees without pay following the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the government to revoke TPS for Venezuelan migrants.
