On July 7, 2025 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua, marking a significant development in the administration’s broader immigration enforcement strategy. The decision affects approximately 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans currently residing in the United States under TPS.
Background
TPS was granted to citizens of Honduras and Nicaragua in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, a catastrophic storm that caused widespread devastation across Central America. The protections allowed nationals from these countries to remain in the US temporarily due to unsafe conditions in their home countries.
Over the years, many TPS holders have built lives in the US, with an estimated 21,000 Hondurans and 1,100 Nicaraguans having since obtained lawful permanent resident (green card) status.
Termination Timeline and Rationale
The termination of TPS for both countries will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the original conditions that warranted TPS no longer exist, citing significant improvements in infrastructure, public services, and economic stability in both countries.
A DHS statement noted that 95.7% of Hondurans now have access to basic water sources, 83.8% to sanitation, and 93.2% to electricity, while Nicaragua has also seen environmental recovery since the 1999 disaster.
Departure and Reintegration Support
TPS holders without permanent status are being encouraged to voluntarily depart the US using the CBP One app, which offers:
- Complimentary airfare to their home country
- A $1,000 reintegration bonus
- Ability to preserve eligibility for future legal immigration pathways
Context
The move is part of a broader rollback of TPS designations under the Trump administration, which has also sought to end protections for nationals of Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Nepal. Some of these efforts have faced legal challenges. For example, a federal court recently blocked the early termination of TPS for Haitians, and litigation over TPS for Venezuelans is ongoing.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.