Trump administration, Noem terminates TPS for Honduran and Nicaraguan migrants
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced its decision to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Honduran and Nicaraguan migrants currently living in the United States. This move is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to increase deportations across the country, following similar terminations for Haiti and Venezuela.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that TPS was always meant to be temporary and that both Honduras and Nicaragua have made significant progress in recovering from the natural disasters that originally granted them TPS status. Noem stated that Honduran citizens can now safely return home and that the government is prepared to assist with their voluntary repatriation.
The decision to revoke TPS for Hondurans and Nicaraguans is expected to impact approximately 76,000 individuals, with the majority being from Honduras. A spokesperson from the DHS noted that the environmental conditions in Nicaragua have improved significantly since the natural disaster in 1999, making it safe for Nicaraguan citizens to return to their homeland.
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in lifting an injunction that had temporarily blocked the termination of TPS for Venezuelans. This decision set a precedent for the administration to proceed with revoking TPS for other nations, including Honduras and Nicaragua.
To facilitate the departure of individuals affected by the termination of TPS, DHS is encouraging Nicaraguans and Hondurans to use the CBP One app, which offers assistance with securing plane tickets and provides a $1,000 exit bonus. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth transition for those returning to their home countries.
Temporary Protected Status was established by Congress in 1990 to provide refuge for individuals from countries experiencing natural disasters, conflicts, or other dangerous circumstances. The program allows for renewals every 18 months, but the recent decisions by DHS indicate a shift towards ending TPS for nations that have made significant progress in recovery.
Overall, the termination of TPS for Honduran and Nicaraguan migrants reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and upholding the integrity of the system. The move aligns with the administration’s efforts to prioritize the return of individuals to their home countries once conditions have improved, signaling a shift in immigration policy under the current administration.
