On Thursday, a federal judge said she will stop the Trump administration from stopping a program that let almost a million people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela live in the US temporarily.
Two Nicaraguan students at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg had until April 24 to leave or be deported because of an order from the Trump administration. The decision brings back their legal protections.
“These students are not working for the government,” the Champlain Valley School District wrote in a letter to parents, teachers, and staff. “They are not bad people.” They’re not dangerous. These are young people who feel safe and important in our community.
The Department of Homeland Security said in March that it would take away the legal rights that 532,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela had been enjoying since October 2022. They were able to live and work in the U.S. for two years thanks to a program run by the Biden government.
Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, said that they will no longer be allowed on April 24.
They said that the kids came to the U.S. legally and “have followed the rules as expected” in a statement signed by Superintendent Adam Bunting and Board Chair Emily McLean.
“It breaks my heart to send these students away, and not just because I know them personally.” It also goes against the morals that people in Vermont try to teach their children.
“We might not be able to change federal policy in the next two weeks, but we can show all of our young people that we care and want to do better.”
The District said that “those who are compelled to take actions” should get in touch with the school to find out more.
The letter said, “They’ve tried to figure out who they are, where they belong, and what they care about, which is something all teenagers do.” “Their lives are being turned upside down again because of a change in federal policy.”
In a statement, Vermont Sen. Peter Welch said, “These kids came to the U.S. and did what the rules said. They’re useful members of their community and have bright futures here in Vermont.”
“It’s mean, and my heart hurts with their school, friends, and family.”