Attorney General Bonta Issues Guidance on Workplace Protections for Employees with Temporary Protected Status

September 3, 2026 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov Guidance reminds California employers of legal obligations amid changes to federal Temporary Protected Status designations OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued guidance to California employers and workers outlining legal obligations and workplace protections for employees with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The guidance follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the federal government to proceed with terminating TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, as legal proceedings involving TPS designations for other countries continue. The guidance reminds employers that changes to a country’s TPS designation do not alter their obligations under federal and California employment laws and provides information to help workers understand their workplace rights. “Changes to Temporary Protected Status can create uncertainty for workers and employers alike, but uncertainty does not erase workers’ rights,” said Attorney General Bonta . “California employers must continue to follow the law when verifying employment authorization and must not discriminate or retaliate against workers based on