TPS is another U.S. immigration program that has changed in 2025. Read below for more information on the program and its current state.
What is TPS?
“TPS” stands for Temporary Protected Status. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS if conditions in that country temporarily prevent that country’s nationals from safely returning, or if that country cannot adequately handle the return of its nationals. The country must be undergoing extraordinary and temporary events/conditions, such as ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or epidemic. TPS eligibility is determined by federal statute.
Can a person work while in TPS?
TPS beneficiaries are eligible for employment authorization documents (“EAD”). A valid EAD authorizes the holder to work for nearly any employer in any capacity. TPS applicants and beneficiaries may qualify for automatic extension of their TPS-based EADs under certain conditions. Speak to an immigration attorney to confirm if you or your employee qualifies for an automatic EAD extension.
How has TPS changed during this Trump administration?
The TPS program as a whole continues under the current administration, but eight countries have been eliminated from TPS eligibility since President Trump’s nominee, Kristi Noem, was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security. Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are either now or will soon be ineligible for TPS. Nationals from those countries who have TPS should plan to leave the United States if they have no other lawful basis, such as asylum, for remaining in the U.S. See below for a brief summary of each country’s TPS status.
Afghanistan, Cameroon, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
Afghanistan TPS terminated on July 15, 2025
Cameroon TPS terminated on August 5, 2025
Nepal TPS terminated on August 20, 2025.
Nicaragua TPS terminated on September 8, 2025.
Honduras TPS terminated on September 9, 2025
Venezuela
The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced its termination of Venezuela’s TPS designation on September 5, 2025. General Venezuelan TPS will end at 11:59 p.m. on November 7, 2025. This termination was challenged, but the Supreme Court allowed the termination to take effect. Per the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, however, “TPS beneficiaries who received TPS-related employment authorization documents (EADs), Forms I-797, Notices of Action, and Forms I-94 issued with October 2, 2026, expiration dates on or before February 5, 2025 will maintain work authorization and their documentation will remain valid until October 2, 2026 . . .” There is ongoing litigation in this matter.
Syria
Syrian TPS terminates at 11:59pm local time on November 21, 2025. Syrian nationals in the U.S. on TPS have until that time to voluntarily depart the country. Syrian nationals departing the U.S. are encouraged to use the CBP Home app to report their departure. CPB claims this is a safe, secure way to self-deport and those using the program will be granted a complimentary plan ticket, $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunity for legal immigration to the U.S. If they have not already departed or begun their voluntary removal proceedings by November 22, DHS threatens that Syrian nationals admitted under TPS will be subject to arrest and deportation, and will never be permitted to return to the United States.
Haiti
Haitian TPS terminates no sooner than February 3, 2026. It was originally slated to expire on September 2, 2025, but it was successfully challenged by a federal judge in New York and the new effective date of termination is extended. DHS disagrees with this ruling and further action is expected from the Department to hasten termination.
TPS has been in near constant flux over the last several months, and more changes are expected in the near future. Because of the dynamism of the program, it is recommended you consult with an immigration attorney if you have any questions about your status or the status of your employee. Contact me through the “Contact Us” link on my website or by emailing info@pdortegalaw.com.
Sources
“Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Fact Sheet.” National Immigration Forum, 7 Oct. 2025, forumtogether.org/article/temporary-protected-status-fact-sheet/.
“Termination of the Designation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status.” Federal Register : Termination of the Designation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 22 Sept. 2025, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/22/2025-18322/termination-of-the-designation-of-syria-for-temporary-protected-status#:~:text=DATES%3A-,The%20designation%20of%20Syria%20for%20Temporary%20Protected%20Status%20is%20terminated,%2C%20on%20November%2021%2C%202025.
Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/eadautoextend. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
DHS Terminates 2021 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminates-2021-designation-of-venezuela-for-temporary-protected-status. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
DHS Terminates Haiti TPS, Encourages Haitians to Obtain Lawful Status | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminates-haiti-tps-encourages-haitians-to-obtain-lawful-status. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
DHS Terminates TPS for Nicaragua: It Was Never Meant to Last 25 Years | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminates-tps-for-nicaragua-it-was-never-meant-to-last-25-years. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Secretary Noem Announces the Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Syria | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-noem-announces-the-termination-of-temporary-protected-status-for-syria. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Afghanistan | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-afghanistan. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Cameroon | Uscis, www.uscis.gov/archive/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-cameroon. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Haiti | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-haiti. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Honduras | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/archive/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-honduras. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Nepal | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/archive/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-nepal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Nicaragua | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/archive/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-nicaragua. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Syria | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-syria. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Venezuela | USCIS, www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-venezuela. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
With Improved Conditions, DHS Ends TPS for Honduras | Uscis, www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/with-improved-conditions-dhs-ends-tps-for-honduras. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
