The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday 7 July 2025 announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua and Hunduras. The Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made the TPS termination announcement in Washington DC after finding improved conditions in both countries. . The termination will be effective 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice
Honduras was designated for TPS in 1999 after the impact of Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The Government of Honduras has made tremendous strides over the years to recover from the hurricane and, as a result of those efforts, it is safe for their nationals to return home. “Temporary Protected Status was never meant to last a quarter of a century,” said a DHS Spokesperson. “The impacts of a natural disaster impacting Nicaragua in 1999 no longer exist. The environmental situation has improved enough that it is safe enough for Nicaraguan citizens to return home. This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that TPS remains temporary.“
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to eligible foreign nationals from designated countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. TPS allows beneficiaries to remain in the U.S. without the fear of deportation and provides them with work authorization.
As of March 2025, there have been significant changes regarding TPS designations:
- Termination of TPS for Afghanistan: Effective 60 days after the termination notice, TPS benefits for Afghanistan will no longer be in effect.
- Extension for South Sudan: TPS for South Sudan has been automatically extended for six months, from May 4, 2025, through November 3, 2025. 1
- Ongoing Legal Challenges: Recent court decisions have impacted TPS designations, including a Supreme Court ruling affecting TPS for Venezuela.
Nicaraguan and Honduras nationals departing the United States are encouraged to use the U.S. Custom
