Humanitarian Relief for Hondurans and Nicaraguans Terminated

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua. After reviewing the latest conditions in each country, DHS has determined that Honduras and Nicaragua no longer meet the requirements for TPS. As a result, these terminations will take effect 60 days after their publication in the Federal Register, meaning that TPS status and all related benefits, including work and travel authorization, will no longer be valid starting September 8, 2025.

By way of background, the U.S. government offers TPS to citizens of a country when their homeland experiences persistent armed conflict (like civil war), an environmental catastrophe (such as earthquakes or hurricanes), an epidemic, or other exceptional and transient circumstances. TPS allows nationals of these countries to live and work in the United States temporarily until their home country stabilizes and they are able to return safely. TPS ensures protection from removal for an individual when their home country is in crisis.

Honduras and Nicaragua were first designated for TPS in 1999 by the Clinton administration following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch. TPS for both countries has been repeatedly extended due to ongoing instability, with the most recent extension expiring on July 5, 2025. However, after concluding that current conditions in both countries have notably improved, the current Secretary of Homeland Security determined that Honduras and Nicaragua no longer meet the conditions for TPS.

As a result, TPS for Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals will be terminated, and individuals currently under TPS must depart the U.S. by September 8, 2025, unless they obtain another lawful immigration status.  According to the USCIS website, the agency is offering incentives to Nicaraguan and Hondurans benefiting from TPS to self-deport, including “complimentary plane tickets, a $1,000 exit bonus, and possible future opportunities for legal immigration.”  Individuals leaving the United States should report their departure on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app. These terminations are expected to affect 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans currently residing in the U.S. under TPS. 

The alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.