DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon
Denice Flores • August 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.
- Honduras & Nicaragua
TPS protections for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua will officially end on September 8, 2025. Approximately 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans will be affected unless they secure alternative legal status.
- Haiti
TPS for Haitian nationals was initially set to expire on August 3, 2025, but DHS later designated September 2, 2025, as the termination date for TPS protections. However, a recent court order on July 15, 2025, issued a final ruling that makes the effective date of termination no earlier than February 3, 2026.
- Nepal
TPS for Nepal is set to expire on August 5, 2025. Around 12,700 Nepalese TPS holders face the end of work authorization and deportation protection unless paused by ongoing litigation.
- Cameroon
Cameroonian TPS designation will terminate on August 4, 2025. More than 17,000 individuals are affected as a result of the end of TPS.
When TPS ends, beneficiaries lose critical protections including Employment Authorization Documents (work permits) and travel authorizations, leaving them vulnerable to deportation and instability within their communities.
If you or anyone you know is affected by the end of TPS, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to evaluate your options and other possible relief.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
Denice Flores
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On January 28, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vacated the January 10, 2025, decision by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that had extended the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela and ordered that his January 17, 2025, notice re-designating Venezuela TPS be vacated. This action has understandably caused confusion and concern among Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries and those with pending applications. It is critical to clarify that this does not mean that the TPS program for Venezuela has been eliminated . Instead, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must now reconsider whether to re-designate (extend) or terminate the previous Venezuela TPS designations from 2021 and 2023. What Does the Vacatur Mean? Because the January 17, 2025, TPS extension was vacated, the most recent valid TPS designation for Venezuela remains the October 3, 2023, designation . The vacatur does not immediately affect TPS protections for individuals covered under the prior designations. However, DHS must make key decisions in the coming months: By February 1, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the October 3, 2023, designation . By July 12, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the March 9, 2021, designation . If the Secretary does not make a timely determination (for example, if the Secretary were not to make determination by February 1, 2025 whether to extend or terminate the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation), then the statute provides for an automatic extension of the designation for an additional period of 6 months . INA 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Until these decisions are made, TPS remains in effect under the previous designations , and those who have already been granted TPS are not immediately impacted. Who Is Affected and What Should You Do? Current TPS Holders If you were already granted TPS under the March 9, 2021, or October 3, 2023, designations, your status remains valid. You must continue to comply with all re-registration requirements to maintain your protection and work authorization. Re-registration period: TPS beneficiaries under the 2021 and 2023 designations must re-register between January 17, 2025, and September 10, 2025 , to maintain their legal status and work authorization. Individuals with Pending TPS Applications as of January 17, 2025 If you applied for TPS before January 17, 2025 , under a previous designation, your application will continue to be processed . If your application is approved, your TPS protection will remain valid at least until April 2, 2025 . There is no need to reapply. Individuals Who Applied for TPS Between January 10, 2025, and January 28, 2025 If you applied for TPS during this period, USCIS will cease processing your applications and issue refunds of any fees paid in association with those applications . Additionally, USCIS will invalidate EADs; Forms 1-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice); and Forms 1-94, Arrival/Departure Record (collectively known as TPS-related documentation) that have been issued with October 2, 2026 expiration dates under the January 17, 2025 Mayorkas Notice. What Happens Next? Given the Biden administration’s prior support for TPS, many expect DHS to extend or re-designate Venezuela for TPS rather than terminate it . However, no final decision has been made , and Venezuelan nationals with TPS or pending applications should continue to follow updates closely. What Should You Do Now? If you currently hold TPS , continue to comply with all TPS renewal requirements and remain aware of DHS’s upcoming decisions. If you have a pending application , check USCIS updates regularly and consult with an immigration attorney for the latest guidance. If you applied between January 17, 2025, and January 28, 2025 , seek legal counsel to understand how the vacatur may affect your application. Stay Informed and Get Legal Guidance Our immigration firm is closely following these developments and will provide updates as soon as DHS makes its decision. If you have questions about your TPS status or how this memo affects your case, contact our office today for a consultation. For more information, refer to the official DHS notice on the vacatur: Vacatur of 2025 Temporary Protected Status Decision for Venezuela .
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing eligible Lebanese nationals in the United States to stay and work temporarily due to unsafe conditions in their home country. The decision, published in the Federal Register, is based on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, which includes economic instability, widespread violence, and the aftermath of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion. The TPS designation for Lebanon is effective December 2023 and will last for 18 months. Lebanese nationals who have been residing in the U.S. since August 1, 2023, may apply for TPS, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Lebanese nationals who are granted TPS will be allowed to stay in the U.S. legally, work, and obtain travel authorization during the designated period. This measure is in line with the Biden administration's efforts to assist individuals from countries facing dire conditions. Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible and to submit the necessary documentation to receive TPS status and related benefits. This designation underscores the U.S. government's support for Lebanese nationals affected by the difficult situation in Lebanon. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the eligibility requirements, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security can allow foreign nationals to apply for Temporary Protected Status or TPS, if the foreign country is facing conditions that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely or if the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals. Country conditions that trigger this are ongoing armed conflict, such as a war, an environmental disaster or an epidemic, and other extraordinary and temporary conditions. If the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designates a foreign country for temporary protected status, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allows eligible foreign nationals of the country, who are in the United States, to apply for and be granted TPS. What does TPS do? A foreign national who is granted TPS is not removable, meaning the individual cannot be removed or deported to the foreign country. The foreign national also cannot be detained by U.S. immigration officials on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States. The foreign national can obtain employment authorization (work permit) to work lawfully in the United States, and also a travel permit to travel abroad, during the time he or she has TPS. It is important to note, however, that TPS is a temporary benefit for foreign nationals. This means that TPS will not lead a foreign national to obtain lawful permanent residence or a green card, U.S. citizenship, or any other immigration status. However, if the foreign national is granted TPS, he or she may still apply for other immigration relief. TPS does not disqualify a foreign national from applying for other forms of immigration relief. Currently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the following countries for TPS: Afghanistan, Burma, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. If you have any questions on whether you qualify for TPS, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and we will be more than happy to assist you.
El día 08 de marzo del 2021, el Secretario del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, el señor Alejandro Mayorkas firmó una proclamación mediante la cual otorgó el denominado “Estatus de Protección Temporal” , en adelante “TPS” a los nacionales de Venezuela por un periodo de 18 meses. Con razón de esta proclamación nos gustaría brindar alcances generales del “TPS” en las próximas líneas. ¿Qué es el TPS? Éste es una herramienta legal de protección migratoria temporal que se otorga a los nacionales de determinados países que estén pasando por cualquiera de las siguientes situaciones extremas: i) conflicto interno armado, ii) desastre natural o iii) alguna situación coyuntural que impide a los nacionales regresar de manera segura a su país. Los países que estén pasando por una situación extrema deben estar expresamente designados por el Gobierno Americano, como en el reciente caso de Venezuela. ¿Cuál es el plazo de duración del TPS? El plazo de esta protección puede darse de 6 hasta 18 meses. En el caso de Venezuela es de 18 meses, los cuales culminan en setiembre del 2022. Dicho plazo puede ser renovado en tanto y cuanto el Gobierno Americano declare que la situación extrema continua en el país designado. ¿Cuáles son los beneficios del TPS? Los nacionales del país designado a quienes se les otorgue el TPS podrán gozar de los siguientes beneficios: i) Permiso para trabajar y número de seguro social; ii) Viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos América con el correspondiente permiso otorgado; iii) No podrán ser detenido por motivos de su estatus migratorio; iv) Si la persona tiene estatus migratorio al momento de ser otorgado el TPS, entonces la persona podrá acumular dos estatus migratorios bajo determinadas condiciones. ¿Cuáles son los requisitos? Los requisitos que se deben cumplir a efectos de obtener el TPS son los que se detallan a continuación: i) Ser nacional del país designado; ii) No tiene relevancia el estutus migratorio al momento de presenter la solicitud; iii) Tener presencia física y residencia continua a partir de la fechas requeridas por el Gobierno Americano. Para el caso de los Venezonalos, esas fechas son 09 y 08 de marzo respectivamente; iv) Haberse registrado para el TPS dentro del plazo establecido por el Gobierno Americano. Para el caso de los Venezonalos, el registro se debe realizar desde el 09 del marzo hasta el 05 de setiembre del presente año. ¿Cuáles son los documentos que se deben presentar con la solicitud? En términos generales, son los que se detallan a continuación: i) Pasaporte, partida de nacimiento u otro documento que acredite la nacionalidad; ii) Formulario I-94, entre otros documentos, para acreditar la presencia física en la fecha requerida; iii) Recibos de servicios, compras, impuestos, entro otros documentos para acreditar la residencia continua en este país. Si tienes alguna pregunta o duda sobre el TPS para Venezolanos, por favor agenda una consulta de registro totalmente gratuita. Esperamos trabajar en su caso en un futuro cercano!
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.
Family-based immigration remains one of the most common paths to lawful permanent residency in the United States. It offers a lifeline to families hoping to reunite across borders, but the process is far from simple. The outcome of the applications can be delayed as a result of potential missteps while preparing the applications. Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them: Incomplete or Inaccurate Forms One frequent mistake is submitting incomplete or inaccurate information on the forms like the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and the I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Even minor errors such as misspelled names, missing signatures, or incorrect dates—can result in Requests for Evidence. To avoid this misstep, double-check all entries, cross-reference documents, and consult with an attorney before submission. Remember, immigration forms are legal documents so accuracy matters. Insufficient Supporting Evidence Proving a genuine familial relationship is the basis of family-based petitions. For spousal cases, USCIS looks closely at evidence of a bona fide marriage. Little or no supporting documents and evidence may lead to Requests for Evidence and even skepticism from USCIS. To establish a bona fide marriage, include documentation to show shared finances and liabilities. Filing Under the Wrong Category or Preference There are different immigration paths depending on whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and whether the beneficiary is a spouse, child, sibling, or parent. Each category has different processing times and visa availability. It is critical that before applying, you understand which preference category applies to your case. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) generally receive faster processing and are not subject to annual visa caps. Not Disclosing Past Immigration or Criminal History Many applicants fail to account for past immigration violations such as visa overstays, unauthorized work, or prior removal orders. Similarly, if you fail to disclose past criminal history and these issues surface later in the process they can affect the outcome of the case. Disclose everything to your attorney, no matter how minor or old the issue seems. Prior violations don’t always mean denial but not disclosing them may lead to serious consequences. If you're considering filing a family-based petition, consult with an experienced immigration attorney at our office. Our office is committed to helping families navigate this complex process with clarity and confidence.
When applying for a green card or seeking admission into the United States, one of the legal hurdles many applicants may face is the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This test evaluates whether someone is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support. But what exactly does that mean—and what types of public benefits can trigger this issue? In this article, we’ll break down what “public charge” really means, who is affected, what types of public benefits are considered, and what immigrants should be mindful of when making decisions about public programs like Medi-Cal and Medicaid. What Is the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility? The public charge rule applies to individuals applying for a visa, green card (adjustment of status), or entry into the U.S., unless they fall into an exempt category. Under this rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must determine whether the applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This typically refers to receiving: Public cash assistance for income maintenance (such as SSI or TANF), or Long-term institutional care at government expense. This determination is based on the "totality of circumstances," including age, health, financial resources, education, skills, and whether a sponsor has submitted a valid Affidavit of Support. Who Is Exempt from the Public Charge Rule? Many categories of immigrants are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility. These include: Asylees and refugees Special immigrant juveniles Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners T and U visa applicants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Importantly, even if someone later adjusts status through a different pathway that is subject to public charge, any benefits they received while in an exempt category will not be held against them. What Public Benefits Are Not Considered in the Public Charge Test? It is a common and harmful myth that using any public benefit will jeopardize your immigration status. In fact, most non-cash benefits do not count against you in a public charge determination. According to USCIS and DHS guidance, the following types of assistance (current as of July 1, 2025) are not considered: Health-Related Benefits Medi-Cal/Medicaid, except for long-term institutional care Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, including subsidies COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment Community health services, crisis counseling, and short-term shelters Food and Nutrition SNAP (Food Stamps) WIC School meal programs Food banks and emergency food assistance Housing and Energy Emergency shelter Rental assistance (e.g., McKinney-Vento programs) Energy assistance (e.g., LIHEAP) Education and Childcare Public schooling Head Start Childcare subsidies (e.g., CCDF) Educational grants and scholarships Federal Cash and Tax Benefits Earned income tax credit (EITC) Child Tax Credit (CTC) Stimulus checks Unemployment insurance Social Security and veteran’s benefits Disaster and pandemic-related cash aid In short, just because a benefit is public or government-funded doesn’t automatically make it count against you. A Word of Caution About Medi-Cal and Medicaid, in Particular As of today (07/01/2025), standard use of Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) or Medicaid for most health-related services is not considered in a public charge determination. This includes preventative care, emergency services, pregnancy-related services, and short-term care. However, if Medicaid is used for long-term institutionalization, such as in a nursing home or psychiatric facility, that does count under the public charge test. Despite current guidance, we are seeing political shifts and changes in tone from the current administration that suggest public charge policies may become more restrictive in the future. This includes renewed interest in expanding the types of public benefits that may be considered, particularly around medical assistance. For that reason, we generally recommend that individuals who are applying for adjustment of status, or who may be subject to the public charge ground in the future, avoid enrolling in Medi-Cal or Medicaid at this time, unless absolutely necessary. Final Thoughts Immigration law is complex, and the rules surrounding public charge can feel confusing or even frightening. But it’s important to understand that using most public benefits—especially for food, education, and healthcare—will not automatically jeopardize your green card or visa application. Still, because policy can change quickly, we urge individuals to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for any public assistance—especially healthcare programs like Medi-Cal or Medicaid. If you have questions or concerns about how public benefits might impact your immigration case, our office is here to help. We are committed to providing up-to-date, personalized guidance to keep your immigration journey on track. Disclaimer The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the application of the public charge rule may vary depending on your specific situation. If you believe this topic may apply to you or you need individualized legal guidance, we encourage you to contact one of our highly-qualified legal professionals for a consultation and assistance tailored to your circumstances. Resources: USCIS Public Charge Resources ILRC Medi-Cal and Public Charge Alert (2024) California Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQ
