A federal judge in the Northern District of California has stopped the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. This decision, made on July 31, 2025, means about 60,000 TPS holders from these countries can stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 while the court reviews the case.
The judge’s order delays the DHS plan to end TPS, which was set to expire for Nepal on August 5, 2025, and for Honduras and Nicaragua on September 8, 2025. The court found that DHS did not follow the rules set by the Administrative Procedure Act, a law that makes sure government agencies act fairly and explain their decisions clearly.
TPS is a program created by the Immigration Act of 1990. It gives people from certain countries temporary permission to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 if their home country is unsafe because of war, natural disasters, or other serious problems. For example, Honduras and Nicaragua first received TPS in 1999 after Hurricane Mitch, and Nepal got TPS in 2015 after a major earthquake.
Many TPS holders from these countries have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time. Nepali TPS holders have been here for over 10 years, while Honduran and Nicaraguan TPS holders have lived in the country for more than 25 years. If DHS had ended TPS as planned, these people would have had to leave the United States 🇺🇸 within 60 days, causing big problems for families, employers, and communities.
After the judge’s order, DHS released a statement on August 1, 2025, saying they recognize the delay but did not give details about what TPS holders should do next or how long the delay will last. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has automatically extended work permits (called Employment Authorization Documents, or EADs) for Nepali TPS holders through November 18, 2025. This means they can keep working legally during this time. Similar extensions for Honduran and Nicaraguan TPS holders are expected, but official updates have not been released yet.
The legal fight to keep TPS started when the National TPS Alliance (NTPSA) and several individuals sued DHS. They argued that ending TPS was unfair and would hurt people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years and have become part of their communities. The plaintiffs are supported by groups like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), the ACLU Foundations of Northern and Southern California, UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance.
Local governments, including New York City, have spoken out against ending TPS. They say TPS holders are important members of their communities and that removing them would hurt families and the local economy. New York City officials have called on the federal government to protect TPS holders and to work on bigger changes to immigration laws.
Background and Historical Context
Federal judge stops DHS from ending TPS
DHS releases statement recognizing delay
Nepal’s TPS set to expire
Honduras and Nicaragua’s TPS set to expire
Extended work permits for Nepali TPS holders expire
- TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua: First granted in 1999 after Hurricane Mitch destroyed homes and infrastructure.
- TPS for Nepal: Given in 2015 after a powerful earthquake caused widespread damage.
- Temporary Relief: TPS lets people live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a limited time, but it does not lead directly to a green card or permanent residency. TPS holders must re-register regularly and meet certain requirements to keep their status.
- Trump Administration Actions: President Trump’s administration first tried to end TPS for these countries. DHS finalized plans to end TPS in 2024 and 2025, which led to the current lawsuits.
Current Status and What It Means for TPS Holders
- Termination Dates Delayed: The court order stops DHS from ending TPS for now. Nepal’s TPS was set to end on August 5, 2025, and Honduras and Nicaragua’s on September 8, 2025.
- Work Authorization Extended: USCIS has extended work permits for Nepali TPS holders through November 18, 2025. Extensions for others are expected but not yet confirmed.
- Keep Using TPS Documents: TPS holders should keep their current EADs and other TPS papers to show they are allowed to work and stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
- No New DHS Guidance Yet: DHS has not explained how long the delay will last or what TPS holders should do about re-registering.
Step-by-Step Guidance for TPS Holders
- Keep All TPS Documents Safe: Hold onto your EADs and any letters or notices from USCIS about your TPS status.
- Check for Updates: Visit the USCIS TPS page often for news about your country’s TPS status and any new deadlines.
- Get Legal Help: If you have questions or are worried about your status, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or a representative recognized by the Department of Justice.
- Follow Re-Registration Instructions: If USCIS announces a new re-registration period, make sure to follow their instructions and submit your application on time.
- Stay Informed About the Lawsuit: The court case is ongoing, and the outcome could change your status. Keep up with news from trusted sources and advocacy groups.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
- Federal Judge in Northern District of California: The judge stopped DHS from ending TPS, saying the agency did not follow proper procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS has accepted the court’s order but has not given clear answers about what happens next for TPS holders.
- Advocacy Groups and Plaintiffs: Groups like NTPSA, ACLU, and NDLON are fighting to keep TPS, saying it is the right thing to do for humanitarian and economic reasons.
- Local Governments: Cities like New York City support TPS holders and want the federal government to protect them and pass new immigration laws.
- TPS Holders: Many have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades, working, paying taxes, and raising families. They now face uncertainty about their future.
What Happens Next?
The court will decide if DHS can end TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua or if the protections will stay in place. The outcome of this case could also affect future TPS decisions and may push lawmakers to consider new laws to help long-term TPS holders.
Advocates are calling for Congress to pass laws that give TPS holders a way to become permanent residents. They argue that people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years, worked hard, and built families deserve a chance to stay for good.
Practical Tips for TPS Holders and Their Families
- Stay Organized: Keep all your immigration papers together and make copies in case you need them.
- Talk to Your Employer: Let your employer know about the automatic EAD extension if they have questions about your work authorization.
- Connect with Community Groups: Many local organizations offer help with legal questions, paperwork, and updates about TPS.
- Plan for Different Outcomes: While the court order is good news for now, it is important to be ready for any changes in the future.
Voices from the Community
A Nepali TPS holder who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for over a decade shared, “This decision gives us hope, but we still worry about what will happen next. We want to keep working and supporting our families here.”
A New York City official said, “TPS holders are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Removing them would hurt our city’s families and economy. We urge the federal government to protect them and fix our broken immigration system.”
Resources for More Information
- USCIS TPS Information: For the latest updates on TPS status, work authorization, and re-registration, visit the official USCIS TPS page.
- National TPS Alliance: Advocacy and support for TPS holders can be found at the National TPS Alliance website.
- Legal Help: Find a qualified immigration attorney or a DOJ-recognized representative for advice about your specific situation.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The recent court order from the Northern District of California gives TPS holders from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua more time to stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸. However, the future remains uncertain as the legal case continues and DHS has not yet provided full guidance. TPS holders should keep their documents safe, check for updates, and seek legal help if needed. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect your rights during this time of change. The outcome of this case could shape the future for thousands of families and may lead to bigger changes in immigration law.
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