SCOTUS Rules 6-3 in Mullin v. Doe: TPS Terminations for Haitians & Syrians Cannot Be Reviewed by Courts
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On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court dropped a bombshell for the immigrant community. In a 6-3 decision in Mullin v. Doe, the Court ruled that federal courts can’t review the executive branch’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS). That means starting July 1, 2026, roughly 350,000 Haitian TPS holders and 6,000 Syrian TPS holders lost their protected status and work authorization — with almost no way to fight it in court. If you or someone in your family holds TPS, this ruling puts your ability to live and work legally in the U.S. at serious risk. Time is critical. Reach out to our immigration team at Tez Law P.C. right now so we can explore every option available to you before your status runs out.
Background: What Mullin v. Doe Means and How We Got Here
TPS is a humanitarian protection program. It lets people from countries hit by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extreme conditions live and work lawfully in the U.S. on a temporary basis. Congress created it through the Immigration Act of 1990, and the Secretary of Homeland Security has the power to grant, extend, or end a country’s TPS designation.
In 2026, the Trump administration moved hard to dismantle TPS protections — starting with Haiti and Syria. Advocacy groups and TPS holders took the fight to federal court, arguing the terminations were arbitrary, violated administrative law, and would cause serious, irreparable harm to hundreds of thousands of people who’ve built their lives here. The Supreme Court shut that door.
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Lower courts had previously issued injunctions blocking some TPS terminations, giving holders temporary relief. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Mullin v. Doe swept those protections away. Writing for the 6-3 majority, the Court concluded that the statutory language governing TPS grants the Secretary of Homeland Security essentially unreviewable discretion to terminate a country’s designation. The decision means that no federal court — not a district court, not a circuit court of appeals — can second-guess the administration’s termination decision on the merits. The three liberal justices dissented sharply, warning that the ruling strips hundreds of thousands of long-term residents of due process and judicial protection.
The implications extend far beyond Haiti and Syria. The administration has signaled its intent to end TPS for nationals of up to 17 countries, potentially affecting all 1.3 million TPS holders currently in the United States — from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, Honduras, Nepal, and more. With judicial review now effectively foreclosed, there is no meaningful court backstop. This is a five-alarm emergency for the entire TPS community.
How This Affects TPS Holders and Their Families
The practical consequences of the Mullin v. Doe ruling are severe and immediate. Here is what affected individuals face:
- Loss of lawful status: Haitian and Syrian TPS holders whose status expired on July 1, 2026 are now considered to be present in the United States without lawful immigration status unless they have an independent basis to remain, such as a pending green card application, a separate visa, or asylum.
- Loss of work authorization: Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) tied solely to TPS are no longer valid for these groups. Employers are legally required to re-verify authorization, which means affected workers face immediate risk of job loss.
- Increased deportation risk: Without lawful status, individuals become priorities for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal proceedings. The absence of judicial review means fewer procedural protections stand between a TPS holder and a removal order.
- Separation of families: Many TPS holders have U.S. citizen children, spouses with permanent residency, or other deep family ties. Loss of status does not erase those relationships — but it makes pursuing relief through family-based channels even more urgent.
- Ripple effects for other TPS nationalities: Venezuelans (approximately 600,000 holders), Salvadorans, Hondurans, Ukrainians, and others are watching closely. The same legal framework that ended Haitian and Syrian TPS without court oversight can and likely will be applied to their designations.
If you are a TPS holder from any country, you cannot afford to wait and see what happens. The window to act is open right now.
What You Should Do Right Now: Urgent Action Steps
The Mullin v. Doe ruling has closed most courtroom doors — but it has not closed all legal pathways. Here is what you should do immediately:
- Consult an immigration attorney today. This is not the moment for online research alone. An experienced immigration lawyer can review your complete situation, identify any independent basis for legal status, and map out a concrete plan. Schedule your free consultation with Tez Law P.C. now.
- Determine whether you have an alternative immigration basis. Options may include adjustment of status through a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent, an approved employment-based petition, a pending or approvable asylum claim, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for eligible minors, U visa or VAWA protections for crime victims, or Deferred Action in limited circumstances.
- Do not leave the United States without legal advice. Departing the U.S. after losing TPS can trigger bars to reentry, including three- and ten-year bars based on unlawful presence. Do not travel internationally until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Gather and secure your documents. Collect passports, prior EADs, TPS approval notices, tax returns, utility bills, school records, and any evidence of your ties to the United States. These records are critical for any future immigration application.
- Notify your employer carefully. If your EAD was solely TPS-based and has expired, talk to an attorney before approaching your employer about your status. There may be bridge options or alternative documentation strategies available.
- Stay informed about further TPS terminations. Monitor announcements from USCIS and DHS regarding TPS designations for your country of origin. Additional terminations are expected throughout 2026.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Immigration Case
At Tez Law P.C., managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) leads a team that has guided immigrants through some of the most challenging legal landscapes in recent memory. We understand that for TPS holders, this is not an abstract legal question — it is your home, your livelihood, and your family on the line.
We provide comprehensive immigration services to clients nationwide, including family-based green cards, asylum applications, adjustment of status, employment authorization, DACA renewals, and removal defense. We stay current on rapidly evolving immigration law — including landmark Supreme Court decisions like Mullin v. Doe — so that we can give you timely, accurate, and strategic advice.
We know this is frightening. We are here to help you understand your rights, identify every available option, and fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family. Whether you are in California or anywhere else in the United States, Tez Law P.C. is ready to take your call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mullin v. Doe and TPS Terminations
My TPS was terminated. Does that mean I have to leave the United States immediately?
Not necessarily. The loss of TPS does not automatically mean you must leave the country immediately, but it does mean you no longer have lawful immigration status based on TPS alone. You should consult an immigration attorney right away to determine whether you qualify for another form of relief — such as adjustment of status through a family member, asylum, or another visa category — that could allow you to remain lawfully. Do not leave the U.S. without legal advice, as departure could trigger bars to reentry based on unlawful presence.
Can I still apply for a green card if my TPS has been terminated?
Potentially yes, depending on your individual circumstances. If you have an immediate relative who is a U.S. citizen (such as a spouse, parent, or adult child) or another qualifying petitioner, you may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status even after TPS termination. The legal landscape here is complex, particularly regarding how prior entries and periods of unlawful presence are treated, and the rules can vary depending on how you entered the United States. An immigration attorney can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.
I am a TPS holder from Venezuela, El Salvador, or another country — should I be worried too?
Yes, you should take this ruling very seriously. The Supreme Court’s decision in Mullin v. Doe effectively removes judicial review as a check on TPS terminations for any nationality. The current administration has publicly stated its intent to end TPS designations for multiple countries beyond Haiti and Syria, potentially including Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, Ukraine, and others. TPS holders from all 17 currently designated countries should consult with an immigration attorney now to understand their options and take proactive steps to protect their status.
Contact Tez Law P.C. — Do Not Wait
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Mullin v. Doe has fundamentally changed the legal landscape for TPS holders across the United States. The protections that courts once provided are gone. What remains are the legal pathways that a skilled immigration attorney can help you identify and pursue. Every day matters. At Tez Law P.C., we are ready to stand with you, evaluate your options, and take action on your behalf. Whether you need help with adjustment of status, asylum, removal defense, or another immigration matter, we handle cases nationwide. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing your future in the United States.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.