Disney dumps Venezuelan cast members as the ‘House of Mouse’ aligns with Trump

Key Takeaways:

• Disney places TPS employees on unpaid leave due to policy changes.
• Approximately 45 Disney employees are affected by the suspension.
• Employees have 30 days to provide work authorization or face termination.
• Revocation of TPS protections impacts over half of 600,000 Venezuelans in the U.S.
• Shifting immigration policies present challenges for businesses and employees.

Disney Suspends Employees Amid TPS Changes

Walt Disney Company has placed dozens of Venezuelan employees on unpaid leave following the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections by the Trump administration. The affected workers, employed at Disney’s Florida operations, have been given 30 days, effective May 20, to provide valid work authorization or face termination.

Understanding Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status is a designation created by Congress in 1990 that allows nationals from certain countries experiencing conflict or disaster to live and work temporarily in the United States. Currently, 17 countries benefit from TPS, providing relief to individuals who cannot safely return to their homelands.

Impact of Policy Changes

Recent shifts in U.S. immigration policy under President Donald Trump have led to the revocation of TPS protections for Venezuelan nationals. This policy change poses significant challenges for the approximately 600,000 Venezuelans residing in the United States, with over half potentially affected by the loss of their protected status.

Effects on Disney Employees

Disney reports that about 45 of its employees are impacted by the TPS revocation. These workers have been placed on a 30-day unpaid leave, starting May 20, and must provide updated work authorization to continue their employment. One employee was reportedly turned away from work due to their TPS status.

Company’s Response to Policy Shifts

In a statement, Disney emphasized its commitment to supporting affected employees while navigating legal obligations. The company is focused on protecting the well-being of its staff and is assisting those impacted by the changing immigration policies through its human resources and legal teams.

Broader Implications in Florida

Florida is home to approximately 360,000 individuals with protected status, with around 60% being Venezuelan nationals. The changes in TPS policies not only impact Disney employees but also have far-reaching effects on the larger Venezuelan community within the state and across the country.

Legal Developments and Uncertainties

The Supreme Court recently ruled to allow the Department of Homeland Security to cancel a TPS extension created under President Joe Biden’s administration. This decision adds to the uncertainty faced by TPS holders and the organizations that employ them, as legal protections continue to shift.

Navigating the Future

Disney’s decision to suspend workers highlights the challenges businesses face amid evolving immigration policies. For the affected employees, the revocation of TPS protections brings uncertainty and the potential loss of employment. As the situation unfolds, companies and workers alike must adapt to the complexities of changing regulations.