Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a critical humanitarian program that offers temporary relief to nationals of certain countries experiencing crises, such as war, natural disasters, or other significant hardships. For many immigrants living in the United States, TPS has provided a lifeline, allowing them to remain in the country and work legally while their home countries recover. However, in recent years, TPS terminations have been a source of concern, particularly for individuals from countries like Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

The termination of TPS for these countries has raised alarm among immigrants, legal experts, and advocacy groups. In this article, we explore the updates regarding TPS terminations for Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras, the impact on affected individuals, and the legal challenges surrounding these decisions.

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a U.S. immigration program that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to individuals from designated countries affected by conditions that prevent safe return. These conditions can include armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary situations.

TPS beneficiaries are granted the ability to live and work legally in the U.S. for a specific period, which is typically renewed in six- or 18-month intervals, depending on the country’s conditions. The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security determines whether to extend or terminate TPS designations based on the conditions in the designated countries.

TPS Terminations for Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras

Over the past few years, TPS for nationals of Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras has been at the center of significant debates and legal battles. Under the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved to terminate TPS designations for several countries, including these three, citing improvements in the countries’ conditions. However, the termination decisions have been heavily contested in court, and these countries continue to be affected by the uncertainty surrounding TPS.

1. Haiti

Haiti’s TPS designation was initially granted in 2010 following the devastating earthquake that left the country in ruins. Since then, Haiti has faced numerous challenges, including political instability, ongoing violence, and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Matthew in 2016. However, under the Trump administration, DHS announced the termination of TPS for Haitians in 2017, despite the country’s continued instability.

The Biden administration initially moved to extend TPS for Haiti and even initiated the designation of Haiti for TPS redesignation in 2021 due to the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis. As of 2025, Haitian nationals remain under temporary protection. Legal challenges to the termination of TPS for Haiti continue, and the Biden administration is committed to providing relief to those affected by the crisis in Haiti.

Key Updates:

• TPS Extension: Haiti’s TPS was extended under the Biden administration due to continued instability.

• Legal Battles: Lawsuits are ongoing, challenging the termination of TPS for Haiti and advocating for permanent protection for Haitians.

2. Nicaragua

TPS for Nicaragua was granted in 1999 following Hurricane Mitch, which caused catastrophic damage in the region. The designation was extended multiple times as Nicaragua faced political instability, civil unrest, and environmental disasters.

However, under the Trump administration, the Nicaragua TPS was terminated in 2019, despite ongoing concerns about the safety of returning nationals to the country. The decision was controversial, as Nicaragua remained embroiled in political violence and unrest. TPS holders from Nicaragua faced the prospect of deportation, and many legal advocates argued that the termination was premature given the conditions on the ground.

Under the Biden administration, there have been efforts to re-establish TPS for Nicaragua. In late 2021, the administration provided some relief by granting an extension for certain Nicaraguan nationals, although the program has not been fully restored. The legal challenges to the termination continue to be a critical issue.

Key Updates:

• TPS Termination: Nicaragua’s TPS was terminated in 2019 under the Trump administration.

• Biden Administration Efforts: The Biden administration has taken steps to extend TPS for Nicaraguan nationals and provide temporary relief.

• Legal Challenges: There are ongoing court cases challenging the termination of Nicaraguan TPS.

3. Honduras

TPS for Honduras was first granted in 1999 following Hurricane Mitch and was extended numerous times due to ongoing economic and environmental challenges in the country. Like Nicaragua, Honduras has faced political unrest, gang violence, and environmental disasters, which has led to the continuation of TPS for Honduran nationals for over two decades.

In 2018, the Trump administration moved to terminate TPS for Honduras, citing improvements in the country’s conditions. However, advocates argued that the termination was premature, as the country still struggled with violence and poverty. The Biden administration extended Honduras’ TPS during its first year in office and has worked to provide stability for the affected population.

Key Updates:

• TPS Extension: The Biden administration extended TPS for Honduran nationals in 2021, recognizing the ongoing instability in the country.

• Legal Challenges: Similar to Haiti and Nicaragua, the termination of TPS for Honduras has faced legal challenges, with advocates pushing for continued protection.

Impact of TPS Terminations

The termination of TPS for Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Hondurans has had significant consequences for the affected communities:

1. Fear of Deportation

Many TPS holders live in constant fear of deportation. With the threat of losing TPS protection, individuals who have built their lives in the U.S. face the prospect of returning to countries where they may be at risk of violence, persecution, or extreme poverty.

2. Separation of Families

For many TPS holders, the termination of TPS means that families could be torn apart. Some TPS holders have children who are U.S. citizens, and deportation could result in family separations, with children left behind or forced to return to unstable environments.

3. Economic Uncertainty

Many TPS holders have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, contributing to the economy. The termination of TPS removes their legal ability to work, which can lead to economic instability for families and communities.

Legal Challenges and Advocacy for TPS

Legal challenges against TPS terminations continue to play a key role in delaying deportations and securing protections for impacted individuals. Advocacy groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), have fought for permanent solutions for TPS holders, urging Congress to pass laws that would grant permanent status to individuals from countries with TPS designations.

Additionally, legislative proposals have been introduced in Congress, such as the American Dream and Promise Act, which seeks to provide a path to permanent residency for TPS holders and other undocumented immigrants.

What’s Next for TPS Holders?

As of 2025, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Hondurans under TPS still face uncertainty about their future. The Biden administration has made efforts to extend and protect TPS, but the program’s future remains subject to court rulings and political shifts. The ongoing legal challenges will determine whether TPS will continue or be permanently ended.

For those affected, advocacy for legislative changes is critical to securing permanent protections. Congress must act to provide a permanent pathway to legal status for TPS holders, ensuring that individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years can continue to contribute to society without fear of deportation.