IRVINE, Calif. (May 13, 2025) — University of California, Irvine School of Law Professors Robert S. Chang and Annie Lai each served as counsel of record on amicus curiae briefs filed May 8 at the U.S. Supreme Court in an immigration case concerning Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals.
Professor Robert S. Chang, Executive Director of the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, served as counsel of record and submitted a brief on behalf of members of Congress in Noem v. National TPS Alliance, opposing the federal government’s request to stay a lower court ruling that reinstated TPS protections. The brief argues that the Executive Branch’s interpretation of the TPS statute overreaches its authority and undermines both congressional and judicial oversight.
On the same day, Clinical Professor of Law Annie Lai served as counsel of record and filed a separate amicus brief on behalf of immigration law scholars. The brief traces the history and purpose of TPS, asserting that Congress intended the program to provide humanitarian protection guided by clear statutory constraints — not subject to arbitrary executive revocation.
These filings continue a pattern of impactful amicus advocacy from UC Irvine Law faculty and the Korematsu Center. In April, Professors Chang and Susan McMahon, along with the Korematsu Center, filed a slate of amicus briefs defending First Amendment rights of law firms and opposing the federal government’s attempt to end birthright citizenship.
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. At UC Irvine Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UC Irvine Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UC Irvine School of Law.