A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. The ruling affects more than 61,000 people nationwide and reverses a prior decision that had temporarily blocked the terminations.
What the Appeals Court Decided
On Monday, a federal appeals court in San Francisco granted the government’s request for a stay, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to proceed with terminating TPS for nationals of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal.
In its ruling, the court stated that the government is likely to succeed in its argument that the Secretary of Homeland Security’s decision to end TPS for these countries was not arbitrary or unlawful under existing standards. As a result, the earlier court order blocking the terminations is no longer in effect.
This decision means that the administration can now move forward with ending TPS protections unless further court action intervenes.
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Which Countries Are Affected and Why TPS Was Granted
Temporary Protected Status was originally granted to nationals of these countries following major natural disasters that made safe return impossible at the time.
Honduras and Nicaragua were designated for TPS after a devastating hurricane in 1999. Since then, TPS for those countries had been extended multiple times due to ongoing instability, economic hardship, and additional disasters.
Nepal was granted TPS in 2015 after a massive earthquake that caused widespread destruction, followed by flooding and landslides that further disrupted recovery efforts.
TPS does not provide permanent legal status, but it allows recipients to live and work legally in the United States while conditions in their home countries remain unsafe.
What Changed With This Ruling
In December, U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson blocked then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from ending TPS for these three countries. Judge Thompson found that the administration had not adequately considered current country conditions that could prevent safe return. She also raised concerns about statements made by administration officials, including President Donald Trump, that portrayed immigrants as criminals or burdens on society.
The appeals court did not adopt those findings. Instead, it ruled that the government is likely to prevail in its defense of the TPS terminations, allowing the process to move forward while litigation continues.
What This Means for TPS Holders Right Now
With the stay granted, TPS protections for Hondurans, Nicaraguans, and Nepalese nationals are no longer shielded by the prior court order. This means that the Department of Homeland Security can begin implementing termination timelines according to its notices and regulations.
For TPS holders, this raises immediate questions:
– When does TPS officially end for each country
– How long work authorization remains valid
– Whether automatic extensions still apply
– What options exist after TPS expires
The answers depend on individual circumstances and on how DHS implements the terminations.
Does This Mean Deportation Is Immediate?
The ruling does not mean that deportations begin overnight. However, it does mean that TPS holders can no longer rely on court-ordered protection to preserve their status.
Once TPS expires, individuals who do not have another form of lawful status may become subject to removal proceedings. Work authorization tied solely to TPS will also expire.
This is why timing matters. Waiting until TPS officially ends can limit available options.
Why This Matters for Families in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to TPS holders from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal who have lived in the state for many years. Many have U.S. citizen children. Many own homes, work in essential industries, and contribute to their communities.
For these families, the end of TPS raises practical concerns about employment, family stability, and long-term residence. It also raises legal questions that cannot be answered with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Does Ending TPS Mean There Are No Other Options?
Not necessarily.
Many TPS holders may have other immigration options that are unrelated to TPS itself. These can include family-based petitions, adjustment of status through marriage, cancellation of removal in certain circumstances, or other forms of relief depending on immigration history.
However, these options often require preparation and time. Some are only available before TPS expires or before removal proceedings begin.
Why Acting Early Matters
One of the most common mistakes TPS holders make is waiting for a final deadline before seeking legal advice. By that point, options may be limited or more difficult to pursue.
Early review allows families to understand:
– Whether there is another lawful status available
– Whether prior entries or applications affect eligibility
– What documentation should be gathered now
– What risks exist if no action is taken
Understanding these factors early gives people choices rather than reacting under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
Is TPS ending for Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal?
A federal appeals court has allowed the government to move forward with terminating TPS for these countries. This means the prior court order blocking the terminations is no longer in effect. TPS holders should pay close attention to official termination dates and notices from the Department of Homeland Security.
Does this court decision mean TPS holders will be deported immediately?
No. The decision allows the government to proceed with termination, but it does not result in immediate deportation. TPS holders may still have time before protections and work authorization expire, depending on DHS timelines.
Can TPS holders from Honduras, Nicaragua, or Nepal still work right now?
In most cases, TPS holders may continue working while their TPS and employment authorization remain valid. Once TPS officially ends, work authorization tied to TPS will also end unless another form of status is obtained.
Does ending TPS mean there are no other immigration options?
Not necessarily. Some TPS holders may qualify for other forms of immigration relief, such as family-based petitions, adjustment of status, or other legal options depending on their immigration history. Each case is different and requires individual review.
Will applying for another immigration benefit stop TPS termination?
Applying for another benefit does not automatically stop TPS termination, but it may provide an alternative legal status or protection if approved. Timing and eligibility are important.
Should TPS holders wait until TPS officially ends before speaking with an attorney?
Waiting can limit options. Reviewing immigration history early allows time to explore alternatives and prepare filings before deadlines or enforcement actions occur.
A Connecticut Immigration Law Firm Perspective
For decades, The Law Offices of James A. Welcome has represented immigrant families across Connecticut facing sudden policy changes and shifting enforcement priorities. TPS terminations are not new, but each decision affects real people with real lives.
The role of an immigration attorney is not to speculate about future court rulings, but to help families understand what the law allows today and how to prepare for what may come next.
What TPS Holders Should Be Doing Now
TPS holders from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal should focus on gathering accurate information and reviewing their individual situations. General headlines do not account for personal immigration history, family ties, or prior filings.
Asking questions now can preserve options later.
Contact Our Connecticut Immigration Law Firm
If you or a loved one holds Temporary Protected Status from Honduras, Nicaragua, or Nepal and lives in Connecticut, it is important to understand how this court decision may affect your status and work authorization.
The Law Offices of James A. Welcome has decades of experience guiding immigrant families through moments of legal change. To discuss your situation and understand your options, call (203) 753-7300 or visit www.welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a consultation.
