Dozens of Venezuelan employees at Walt Disney World in Orlando have been placed on unpaid leave and face possible termination after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. The decision affects workers under the 2023 TPS designation, whose employment authorization may now be invalid.
About 45 Disney “cast members” received emails and calls notifying them of immediate unpaid leave with benefits. The company stated workers would be terminated within 30 days unless they present alternative work authorization.
Related posts
A Disney spokesperson said the company is “committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being” of affected employees while remaining compliant with immigration laws. Some workers say they are now struggling to pay rent or support their families.
The Department of Homeland Security has not formally rescinded the 2023 TPS designation or issued employer guidance following the Supreme Court’s decision. Meanwhile, a separate 2021 TPS designation for Venezuelans remains active until September, though not all affected workers qualify under it.
Many impacted employees may not be able to secure new legal work authorization in time. While some have pending asylum claims, others lack a clear legal path to stay employed.
