Dozens of Venezuelan Disney Workers Placed on Leave After Supreme Court Revokes Protected Status

ORLANDO, FL – Almost four dozen Venezuelan employees at Disney have been placed on leave, effective as early as May 20, after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The decision, issued without explanation on Monday, immediately impacted approximately 45 workers across Disney’s operations, with many of them at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Disney stated that the move was necessary to ensure the company and its employees were not in violation of the law. While on leave, the affected workers will continue to receive benefits. “We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all our employees who may be navigating changing immigration policies and how they could impact them or their families,” Disney said in a statement.

The Supreme Court’s order put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that had maintained TPS for Venezuelans, which would have otherwise expired last month. This ruling potentially exposes as many as 350,000 Venezuelans nationwide to deportation. TPS allows individuals from countries deemed unsafe due to natural disaster or civil strife to live and work legally in the United States.

Union representatives expressed distress over the situation. Julee Jerkovich, secretary-treasurer of the United Food And Commercial Workers International Union’s Local 1625, which represents about two-thirds of the affected Disney workers, confirmed that their contract allows for reinstatement without loss of seniority or benefits if workers provide proper work authorization within a year. Jerkovich noted that Disney was in a difficult position, facing criticism if they did not comply and potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids if they did not.

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This Supreme Court order is the latest in a series of emergency appeals by the Trump administration related to immigration, particularly concerning Venezuela. Earlier this month, the administration also sought to end humanitarian parole for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, also raising concerns about potential deportations.

A coalition of unions at Disney World issued a joint statement, emphasizing the contributions of these workers to the company and the central Florida community. “These workers — our colleagues, friends, and neighbors — have contributed immensely to the success of the Walt Disney Company and to the vibrant culture of central Florida,” the statement read. “No worker should have to live in fear of losing everything after building a life here.”

The ruling has sparked confusion and concern among many TPS holders, as the immediate implications for their legal status and work authorization are unclear, with some legal experts suggesting their status may be lost immediately. The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, justified the revocation of TPS for a group of Venezuelans, citing reasons like alleged gang membership and adverse effects on U.S. workers, claims that have been disputed by immigrant advocates. While some Venezuelans with TPS are protected until September 2026 under a separate designation, the fate of those affected by this most recent Supreme Court decision remains precarious.