On July 7, 2025, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced that DHS would be terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras and Nicaragua. The termination of Honduran and Nicaraguan Temporary Protected Status will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. As of the date of this post, the termination notice is scheduled to be published on July 8, 2025. This termination is estimated to impact around 76,000 people.
Temporary Protected Status was originally designated for both Honduras and Nicaragua on January 5, 1999, after devastating environmental disasters, including Hurricane Mitch. Individuals who have maintained Temporary Protected Status have continuously renewed their TPS every 18 months, have been continuously residing in the United States since December 1998, and have not been subject to any bars to asylum, convicted of a felony, or convicted of two misdemeanors within the United States. The Department of Homeland Security is offering complimentary plane tickets and $1,000 to Honduran and Nicaraguan TPS holders who leave the United States through the CBP One app.
Notably, Secretary Noem states that the termination of Nicaragua’s Temporary Protected Status is because the country has been able to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Mitch. However, the termination notice does not directly address the current political situation within Nicaragua. Similarly, Secretary Noem finds that potential infrastructure projects that are in the investment phase are adequate changed country conditions to constitute the termination of Honduran Temporary Protected Status. The termination notice does not address other realities of life in Honduras.
Individuals with TPS from these countries are fully integrated within the United States and form valuable members of our communities. As part of the process to renew their status, TPS holders are subject to routine background checks. Some TPS holders may be eligible for alternate forms of relief such as asylum or family-based petitions.
Murray Osorio PLLC will continue to monitor this issue closely and fight for the rights of immigrant families. No matter the policy shifts, we remain committed to providing informed, strategic, and compassionate support—every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help you and your family navigate these changes.