The Department of Homeland Security announced the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) program extension through 2025 for qualifying individuals from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. The TPS program offers work permits and protection from deportation. TPS will not be expanded to include people from other countries.

The TPS program faced legal challenges during the Trump administration. The previous administration tried to end the program for people from these countries and others. However, the courts did not agree. The Biden administration reversed the Trump administration’s orders to end the program for individuals from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal and announced the TPS program extension.

For individuals from El Salvador, an estimated 239,000 people who have been living in the U.S. since 2001 can renew their TPS status. Around 76,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans who have been in the U.S. since 1998 are also eligible. Additionally, approximately 14,500 Nepalese individuals who have resided in the U.S. since 2015 are eligible.

The TPS program allows people who cannot safely return to their home countries due to dangerous conflicts, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances to stay in the U.S. and work legally. Normally, TPS lasts between 6 to 18 months but can be renewed indefinitely. TPS does not provide a way to become a U.S. citizen or obtain permanent residency.

Individuals from these countries who are currently in the U.S. without legal status are not eligible for the TPS program. Specific cutoff dates must be met to qualify for TPS.

If you have questions about the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program or any other immigration-related matter, please contact us. Our team of attorneys works with each individual, in their specific situation, supporting them on every step of their immigration journey.