DHS Ends Temporary Protected Status for Honduras Due to Improved Conditions

Key Takeaways

• TPS for Honduras ends September 6, 2025, after 60-day transition starting July 8, 2025.
• About 54,000 Honduran TPS holders lose protection and work authorization after TPS ends.
• DHS offers voluntary departure help including free flight and $1,000 resettlement bonus via CBP One.

On July 7, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the United States 🇺🇸 will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras. This decision comes after a detailed review found that conditions in Honduras have improved enough for its citizens to return home safely. The change will take effect 60 days after the official notice is published in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for July 8, 2025. This means that TPS for Honduras will officially end on September 6, 2025.

This move directly affects about 54,000 Honduran nationals living in the United States 🇺🇸 under TPS. These individuals have been allowed to stay and work in the country for more than two decades, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Now, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) saying that Honduras has recovered, many families are facing big changes and important decisions about their future.

Let’s break down what this announcement means, why it’s happening, and what steps Honduran TPS holders should take next.

Why Is TPS for Honduras Ending Now?

Temporary Protected Status is a special immigration program that lets people from certain countries stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 when their home country is unsafe due to war, natural disasters, or other emergencies. But as the name says, it’s meant to be temporary.

Honduras received TPS in 1999 after Hurricane Mitch destroyed homes, roads, and communities. Over the years, the Honduran government has worked hard to rebuild. According to Secretary Noem, “Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just that—temporary. 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.”

The decision to end TPS for Honduras was made after DHS reviewed the situation with help from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State. They found that Honduras has made enough progress to welcome its citizens back. The Honduran government, led by President Castro, has also set up programs to help returnees, including economic and food assistance, job training, and help finding work.

Key Dates and What Happens Next

• TPS Termination Announced: July 7, 2025
• Federal Register Notice Publication: July 8, 2025 (scheduled)
• Transition Period: 60 days, ending September 6, 2025
• TPS/EAD Validity Ends: September 6, 2025

During the 60-day transition period, Honduran TPS holders are still protected from being removed (deported) and can keep working if they have valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). After September 6, 2025, those who do not have another legal status or pending application will be at risk of removal.

What Should Honduran TPS Holders Do Now?

If you are a Honduran national with TPS, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check the Federal Register Notice: Confirm the official end date for TPS and the transition period. The notice is expected to be published on July 8, 2025.
2. Review Your Work Authorization: If your EAD is still valid, you can keep working until September 6, 2025. Some EADs may be automatically extended if they expire during the transition period. If you have filed a timely renewal, you may get an extra 540 days of work authorization under certain rules.
3. Consider Departure Options: If you plan to return to Honduras, DHS is offering help. You can use the CBP One app to report your departure and get:
   • A free plane ticket to Honduras
   • A $1,000 exit bonus to help you resettle
   • A record of voluntary departure, which may help you with future legal immigration opportunities
4. Explore Other Immigration Relief: Talk to a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative to see if you qualify for another type of legal status or relief.
5. Stay Informed: Watch for any legal updates or court actions that could affect your status.

Departure Assistance: How Does It Work?

DHS wants to make the return process as smooth as possible for Honduran TPS holders. If you choose to leave the United States 🇺🇸 during the transition period, you can use the CBP One app to report your departure. This app is available through official app stores and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

By using the app, you can:

• Reserve a free flight back to Honduras
• Receive a $1,000 bonus to help with resettlement costs
• Show that you left the country voluntarily, which can be important if you want to apply for a U.S. visa or other immigration benefits in the future

DHS says that voluntary departure is the best way to protect your chances for legal immigration later on.

What Happens If You Stay After TPS Ends?

If you do not have another legal immigration status or a pending application for relief, you will become subject to removal (deportation) after September 6, 2025. This means that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could start removal proceedings against you.

It’s very important to talk to an immigration attorney as soon as possible to see if you have any other options. Some people may qualify for family-based visas, asylum, or other forms of relief, but these options depend on your personal situation.

Work Authorization: What You Need to Know

If you have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under TPS, you can keep working legally until the end of the transition period. For many, this means work authorization will last until September 6, 2025.

If your EAD expires before that date, check if you qualify for an automatic extension. According to USCIS, some EADs are automatically extended if you have filed a timely renewal application. The 540-day rule may also apply, giving you more time to work while your renewal is processed.

For more details, visit the USCIS TPS Honduras page, which has the latest updates and instructions.

Background: Why Was TPS Given to Honduras in the First Place?

Honduras was first designated for Temporary Protected Status in 1999, after Hurricane Mitch caused massive destruction in 1998. The hurricane left thousands dead, destroyed homes and farms, and made it impossible for many people to return safely.

Over the years, TPS has allowed Honduran nationals to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 without fear of deportation. Many have built lives, started families, and contributed to their communities. Some have U.S.-born children who are citizens.

Previous attempts to end TPS for Honduras, especially during President Trump’s first term, were blocked by court challenges. The Biden administration later extended TPS through July 5, 2025. Now, with improved conditions in Honduras, DHS says the original reasons for TPS no longer exist.

Government and Advocacy Group Perspectives

The Department of Homeland Security says that ending TPS for Honduras is required by law. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, TPS must end when the Secretary of Homeland Security decides that the unsafe conditions are gone.

Secretary Noem said, “Honduras has been a wonderful partner of the Trump Administration, helping us deliver on key promises to the American people. We look forward to continuing our work with them.”

The Honduran government, led by President Castro, has promised to help returning citizens with food, job training, and economic support.

However, many immigrant rights groups are worried about the impact on families who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 20 years. They point out that many TPS holders have deep roots in their communities and have children who are U.S. citizens. Some groups may try to challenge the termination in court, as they have done for other countries.

Legal and Policy Analysis

The law says that TPS is only for temporary emergencies. Once the Secretary of Homeland Security finds that the country is safe again, TPS must end. The Supreme Court recently confirmed that the government has the power to end TPS for countries like Venezuela, which cleared the way for similar actions for Honduras and Nicaragua.

Still, court challenges are possible. In the past, lawsuits have delayed TPS terminations for other countries. As of July 7, 2025, there is no court order stopping the end of TPS for Honduras, but this could change if new lawsuits are filed.

What About the Future?

• No More Extensions: DHS has said there are no plans to extend or redesignate TPS for Honduras at this time.
• Possible Legal Action: Advocacy groups may go to court to try to stop or delay the termination, but nothing has been filed yet.
• Continued Monitoring: DHS will keep an eye on conditions in Honduras. If things get worse again, the country could be redesignated for TPS in the future.

Practical Guidance for TPS Holders

If you are a Honduran TPS holder, here’s what you should do:

• Stay Informed: Check the USCIS TPS Honduras page for updates.
• Talk to a Lawyer: Get advice from a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited representative. They can help you understand your options and prepare for what comes next.
• Use Official Resources: For official news and press releases, visit the DHS Newsroom.
• Plan Ahead: If you plan to return to Honduras, use the CBP One app for departure assistance.

Summary Table: TPS for Honduras – Key Dates and Details

Where to Get Help

• USCIS TPS Honduras: USCIS TPS Honduras page
• DHS Newsroom: dhs.gov/news
• Legal Help: American Immigration Lawyers Association (aila.org) or local legal aid organizations

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The end of Temporary Protected Status for Honduras is a major change for thousands of families who have called the United States 🇺🇸 home for many years. While the government says the country is now safe, many TPS holders face tough choices about their future.

If you are affected, take action now:

• Check your work authorization and immigration status
• Talk to a trusted immigration professional
• Use official resources for the latest information
• Plan for your next steps, whether that means returning to Honduras or seeking another way to stay legally in the United States 🇺🇸

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the end of TPS for Honduras marks a turning point for many families. Staying informed and getting the right help is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during this transition.

For more information about Temporary Protected Status and official updates, visit the USCIS TPS Honduras page.

Learn Today

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A temporary immigration program protecting foreign nationals from unsafe home country conditions.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → Official permit allowing TPS holders to legally work in the United States.
Federal Register → Official U.S. government publication for legal notices and agency actions.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal agency overseeing national security and immigration policies.
Voluntary Departure → A program allowing immigrants to leave the U.S. on their own terms with certain benefits.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 7, 2025, DHS announced the end of TPS for Honduras due to improved conditions. TPS holders have until September 6, 2025, to maintain status. DHS offers departure assistance and urges consultation with immigration lawyers to explore options amid this important policy change affecting 54,000 Hondurans.
— By VisaVerge.com