The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to support the Trump administration’s removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan workers is creating ripples at Disney, where nearly four dozen employees find themselves unexpectedly on leave.
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As legal protections vanish, these individuals face a precarious future in a changing America.
Almost four dozen Venezuelan workers at Disney were placed on leave following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended their TPS.
These protections were initially granted to individuals from dangerous countries, such as Venezuela, allowing them to reside and work in the United States.
With those protections revoked, Disney stated their compliance with U.S. employment laws mandated this decision.
Disney’s decision impacts a significant number of workers with union positions, which could offer some safety nets.
Union contracts allow these employees reinstatement without loss of seniority or benefits if they secure work authorization within a year.
The affected employees will continue to receive benefits during their leave, showcasing a concern for their well-being amid stringent legal requirements.
A coalition of Disney World unions expressed dismay over the potential deportation of these workers, emphasizing their importance to the company and Central Florida’s culture.
The Supreme Court’s action halted a prior ruling by a federal judge that maintained TPS for Venezuelans, leaving as many as 350,000 individuals in legal limbo, facing potential deportation.
“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. No worker should have to live in fear of losing everything after building a life here,” stated a coalition of unions at Disney World, cited by CBS News.
Julee Jerkovich of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union’s Local 1625 noted that Disney had no choice but to place workers on leave to avoid potential raids from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The entire scenario unfolds as part of a series of emergency appeals by the Trump administration, focused on ending immigration protections like TPS and humanitarian parole.
Venezuelan workers at Disney put on leave from jobs after losing protective status | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/Dua71vWMYS
— WESH 2 News (@WESH) May 23, 2025
“We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all our employees who may be navigating changing immigration policies and how they could impact them or their families,” stated Disney.
It’s a troubling time for many families affected by the Supreme Court’s decision, where livelihoods are at stake.
As this legal battle continues, the story of these Venezuelan workers at Disney triggers broader debates on immigration and labor rights centered around the heartland of America—or what remains of it.
