The Trump administration has officially ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras and Nicaragua, bringing to a close more than 25 years of legal residence for tens of thousands of immigrants.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the change affects an estimated 76,000 individuals, with protections set to expire 60 days after official notice publication.
The move is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten immigration controls and phase out programs viewed as long overstayed.
TPS was initially granted to citizens of both countries following Hurricane Mitch in 1998, one of the most catastrophic storms in Central American history, but has been repeatedly renewed by successive administrations.
Government Argues Conditions No Longer Justify Special Protection
According to DHS notices published in the Federal Register, the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem concluded that conditions in Honduras and Nicaragua have sufficiently improved.
“Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just that—temporary,” Noem stated. “It is clear that the Government of Honduras has taken all of the necessary steps to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Mitch.”
The government highlighted that Honduras has become a “popular tourism and real estate investment destination”, while Nicaragua is now a “growing leader” in agriculture, renewable energy, and ecotourism. In both cases, the DHS argued the environmental and infrastructural damage caused by the hurricane has long since been addressed.
Roughly 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans are currently covered by the status, though some groups estimate lower actual figures due to changes in residency.
DHS has announced that affected individuals will lose work authorization and protection from deportation unless they secure alternative legal status before the 60-day termination period concludes.
Long-Settled Communities Face Uncertain Future Amid Legal and Political Tensions
Immigration advocates and several lawmakers have strongly criticized the decision, arguing that it targets long-standing, law-abiding communities.
According to the National TPS Alliance, many beneficiaries have lived in the US for over two decades, passed regular background checks, and made economic and social contributions to their communities. Critics also point to the lack of pathways to permanent residency for TPS holders.
“Sending innocent families back into danger won’t secure our border or make America safer,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, according to public remarks cited in multiple outlets.
While DHS maintains the move is in line with legal limits of TPS as a temporary measure, the announcement follows prior terminations of similar protections for migrants from Haiti, Venezuela, Cameroon, and Afghanistan, reflecting a pattern in the administration’s immigration policy.
Legal challenges and appeals are likely to follow, as was the case with earlier revocations. In the meantime, those affected must prepare for the possible loss of status — and a forced return to countries they may no longer recognize as home.
