Trump administration revokes protections for tens of thousands of immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua
- The Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua.
- Approximately 76,000 migrants, many of whom have lived in the U.S. since the late 1990s, will be at risk of deportation.
- This decision has received criticism for its potential impact on families and businesses relying on these workers.
In early September 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for more than 76,000 migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua. This significant decision came as a result of claims that conditions in both countries had improved sufficiently since TPS was initially granted following natural disasters—Hurricane Mitch for Honduras in 1998 and subsequent issues in Nicaragua in 1999. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the conditions that warranted TPS no longer exist. The program was designed to provide temporary relief to individuals from countries facing armed conflicts or environmental disasters, allowing them to live and work legally in the U.S. However, since its inception, TPS has faced continuous scrutiny and numerous extensions across different administrations. The Trump administration has particularly focused on scaling back such protections as part of its broader immigration reform agenda aimed at increasing deportations. As a result of this announcement, approximately 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades, are now at risk of deportation unless they can secure an alternative legal status. Critics, including lawmakers and immigration advocates, argue that this move is inhumane and disruptive, separating families and adversely affecting businesses reliant on these workers. The revocation of TPS for these countries comes on the heels of similar actions taken against migrants from other nations, including Haiti and Venezuela, indicating a consistent trend of reduced humanitarian protections. The potential impact of this decision extends beyond deportation fears; the well-being of families and communities can be deeply affected, as many of these individuals have built lives in the U.S. since the late 1990s. Given the complexities of immigration policy and its ramifications, the termination of TPS will likely provoke continued legal challenges as impacted migrants seek to retain their legal status and protection from deportation.