Trump Admin Ends Migrant Protections For Two Countries

The Donald Trump administration has formally announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for tens of thousands of Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals living in the United States, a significant move in its broader immigration tightening efforts. Knewz.com has learned that the Department of Homeland Security says the decision stems from improved conditions in both Central American countries.

Trump Administration Ends Decades of TPS

The Department of Homeland Security declared that TPS will be terminated for approximately 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans. The protections, granted in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, allowed individuals from both countries to live and work legally in the U.S. The hurricane, one of the deadliest in Central American history, caused widespread devastation and claimed more than 10,000 lives.

The terminations are scheduled to take effect within 60 days of the announcement. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the rationale behind the decision is rooted in the program’s original intent. “Temporary protected status was designed to be just that — temporary,” she said. “It is clear that the government of Honduras has taken all of the necessary steps to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Mitch, almost 27 years ago. Honduran citizens can safely return home, and DHS is here to help facilitate their voluntary return.” Noem added that Honduras is “a wonderful partner to the Trump administration.”

Homeland Security Releases Statement Regarding Nicaragua

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement, “Temporary Protected Status was never meant to last a quarter of a century. … The impacts of a natural disaster impacting Nicaragua in 1999 no longer exist. The environmental situation has improved enough that it is safe enough for Nicaraguan citizens to return home. This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that TPS remains temporary.” However, the department’s assessment made no reference to the current political climate under President Daniel Ortega’s administration, which has faced international condemnation for human rights violations and suppression of political dissent.

A decision Affecting Thousands

Temporary Protected Status (TPS), created by Congress in 1990, provides humanitarian relief to individuals from countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters or other exceptional circumstances. While the designation permits recipients to live and work legally in the United States, it does not offer a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

The Department of Homeland Security’s recent decision will impact tens of thousands of Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals, though not all face the risk of deportation. DHS data shows that approximately 21,000 Hondurans and 1,100 Nicaraguans have since obtained lawful permanent resident status and no longer depend on TPS for legal protection. However, those without such status are being urged to arrange their own exit through a CBP Home App, which offers a free flight home and a $1,000 departure bonus for voluntary returns.

Pattern of TPS Terminations Under Trump Presidency

The DHS’s decision follows a pattern of TPS terminations under President Trump’s immigration agenda. Similar revocations have been announced for nationals of Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon and Nepal, with some of these efforts facing resistance in court. In March, a federal judge blocked the administration’s attempt to end TPS for Venezuelans. Although the Supreme Court temporarily lifted that block in May, litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, according to reports. Recently, another federal court halted Secretary Noem’s decision to prematurely revoke protections for Haitians, ruling that she lacked the necessary authority. Advocacy groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have warned that up to 500,000 Haitians could lose legal status and work authorization if TPS is fully rescinded in their case.

The post Trump Admin Ends Migrant Protections For Two Countries appeared first on Knewz.