The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on July 7, 2025, that it will terminate the Temporary Protected Status for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua, affecting roughly 76,000 individuals and placing them at risk of deportation unless they secure another form of lawful status in the United States. This decision reflects the administration’s broader effort to roll back humanitarian relief programs and underscores the importance of understanding one’s legal options and responsibilities.
Understanding Temporary Protected Status and Its Role
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program created by Congress in 1990 under Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to shield foreign nationals from deportation when returning home poses risks due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Beneficiaries receive work authorization and short‑term relief, but TPS is inherently temporary and requires periodic review and renewal.
Key Features of Temporary Protected Status
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Eligibility Criteria: Nationals of designated countries must have continuously resided in the U.S. since a date specified in the Federal Register notice and must not have been convicted of certain crimes.
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Work Authorization: TPS holders receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for the period of designation.
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No Pathway to Permanent Residency: TPS does not confer green card eligibility; holders must pursue separate avenues (e.g., family‑based petitions, employment visas) to adjust status.
Timeline for Temporary Protected Status Termination
| Country | Original TPS Start | Expiration Date | Effective Termination Date | Affected Individuals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honduras | Jan. 5, 1999 | July 5, 2025 | Sept. 6, 2025 | ~72,000 |
| Nicaragua | Jan. 5, 1999 | July 5, 2025 | Sept. 6, 2025 | ~4,000 |
Why DHS Is Ending Temporary Protected Status
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that both Honduras and Nicaragua no longer meet the criteria for TPS designation, pointing to economic recovery, increased investment, and reduced vulnerability to natural disasters in those nations. The termination notices emphasize that TPS is “inherently temporary” and that the Secretary may end designations when conditions improve.
Who Will Lose Temporary Protected Status
The upcoming termination of Temporary Protected Status will directly affect two distinct groups of long‑standing beneficiaries:
| Country | Total Beneficiaries | TPS Start Date | Primary U.S. Locations | Common Employment Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honduras | ~72,000 | January 5, 1999 | Florida, New York, Texas, California | Hospitality, agriculture, construction |
| Nicaragua | ~4,000 | January 5, 1999 | Florida, California, Texas | Healthcare support, manufacturing |
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Honduran Nationals
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Duration of Coverage: Hondurans have held TPS for more than 26 years, originally designated after Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America in late 1998.
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Work Authorization & Protections: All 72,000 Honduran beneficiaries currently hold valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and are protected from deportation through September 6, 2025.
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Community Impact: Many TPS holders have U.S.-born children who are U.S. citizens, own small businesses, or work in critical sectors like hospitality and agriculture. Losing TPS could force abrupt job loss, family separation, and disruption of local economies.
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Nicaraguan Nationals
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Length of Status: Roughly 4,000 Nicaraguans have continuously renewed TPS since the same January 1999 designation, following the same Hurricane Mitch crisis.
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Economic Contributions: Nicaraguan TPS holders are integral to industries such as healthcare support and manufacturing, filling roles that have been hard to staff domestically.
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Family & Social Ties: Like their Honduran counterparts, many have lived in the U.S. for decades, established roots, and contributed taxes and community service.
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Both groups will see their work authorization lapse and their deportation protections end unless they secure another lawful status. Those who fail to transition risk removal proceedings—making it vital to explore alternative immigration options well before the September 6, 2025 deadline.
Immediate Risks and Consequences
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Deportation Exposure: After September 6, 2025, TPS holders without alternative legal status become deportable.
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Loss of Work Authorization: Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will no longer be valid past the termination date.
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Family Separation: Mixed‑status households may face split‑family scenarios if some members maintain lawful status while others do not.
Practical Steps for Affected Individuals
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Assess Alternative Eligibility
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Family‑Based Petitions: If you have a U.S. citizen spouse, parent or adult child, they can file Form I‑130, Petition for Alien Relative on your behalf. Approval of an I‑130 is the first step toward a green card.
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Employment‑Based Visas: Review the requirements for H‑1B (specialty occupations), O‑1 (extraordinary ability), or other categories. You’ll need a qualifying job offer and, in most cases, an employer willing to sponsor you.
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Humanitarian Relief: If you fear persecution at home, consider asylum – file Form I‑589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal within one year of arrival. Victims of certain crimes may qualify for a U‑visa; review Form I‑918, Petition for Nonimmigrant Status requirements.
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File for Adjustment of Status
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If your I‑130 or an employment petition (e.g., I‑140) is approved and your visa priority date is current, submit Form I‑485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
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Include copies of your I‑94, EAD, birth certificate, and any notices showing continuous residence under Temporary Protected Status.
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Consult an Immigration Attorney
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An experienced lawyer or accredited representative can evaluate your specific situation, identify all available options, and prepare your applications correctly.
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Early counsel helps you avoid filing errors and gaps in status that could lead to deportation.
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Maintain Good Records
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Keep organized copies of all USCIS receipts, approval notices, letters, your latest EAD and I‑94.
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Store originals in a safe place and scan digital copies to share with your attorney or upload to your USCIS online account.
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Monitor Deadlines and Updates
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Mark September 6, 2025 on your calendar as the last day your EAD and TPS protections remain valid.
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Regularly check the USCIS TPS page for any late-breaking extensions or court orders.
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Prepare for Contingencies
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If you cannot secure another status before the deadline, plan for voluntary departure to avoid an order of removal.
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Research return‑and‑reentry strategies, such as advance parole, but only pursue these with legal approval.
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By following these concrete steps—and working with trusted legal counsel—you’ll maximize your chances of preserving lawful status and employment authorization once Temporary Protected Status ends.
Legal Challenges and Court Actions
Several legal challenges have delayed other TPS terminations in recent years; for example, courts blocked attempts to end status for Haitians, while the Supreme Court allowed termination for Venezuelans earlier this year. Affected Honduran and Nicaraguan beneficiaries may seek injunctions to delay removal, but such relief is uncertain and time‑sensitive.
Key Takeaways for Employers, Educators, and Service Providers
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Employers must update I‑9 policies to reflect that A‑12 and C‑19 category cards expire on September 6, 2025.
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Schools and Universities should verify SEVIS status for F‑1 dependents of TPS holders, as TPS termination may affect I‑20 issuance.
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Legal Clinics and NGOs should prioritize TPS holders for counsel before the termination date.
Numbered Summary of Action Items
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Verify Your TPS Status: Check that you remain listed as a TPS beneficiary through September 6, 2025.
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Explore Other Immigration Paths: Identify any petitions or visas for which you may qualify.
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File Before the Deadline: Submit any adjustment or non‑TPS applications well before September 6, 2025.
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Seek Professional Help: Engage a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.
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Stay Informed: Monitor USCIS and DHS updates in case of further extensions or legal developments.
The end of TPS marks a pivotal moment for long‑standing communities from Honduras and Nicaragua. By acting now—well before September 6, 2025—beneficiaries can secure alternative paths and safeguard their futures in the United States. If you or someone you know faces TPS termination, consult authoritative sources and an immigration expert immediately to avoid losing legal protections under Temporary Protected Status.
conclusion
As the September 6, 2025 deadline approaches, Honduran and Nicaraguan TPS holders must act now to protect their status and work authorization. Review alternative immigration options—such as family‑based petitions, employment visas, or humanitarian relief—and file any new applications well before the expiration date. Keep your USCIS records organized, stay informed through official DHS and USCIS channels, and consult a qualified immigration attorney to map out your next steps. By taking prompt, practical measures today, you can secure a lawful future in the United States and avoid the disruptions and risks of losing Temporary Protected Status.
Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm
If you or a loved one faces the end of Temporary Protected Status, don’t wait until it’s too late. Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm specializes in TPS matters and other relief options. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, identify alternative pathways, and file the right applications before the September 6, 2025 deadline. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward securing your future in the United States.
