On November 6th the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made two big announcements regarding the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) program for Nicaragua and Honduras. These announcements are particularly devastating to the almost 60,000 Nicaraguans and Hondurans who reside and live in the United States under TPS. We urge anyone affected by the upcoming terminations to seek a qualified immigration attorney to discuss your options.
If you are Nicaraguan with TPS
TPS for Nicaragua has been extended to January 5, 2019. At the conclusion of this 14 month extension, there will be no further extensions. Upon termination, the 2,500 current Nicaraguan TPS recipients will be left without status. Therefore, it is important that you consult with an attorney well in advance of this termination date to explore any options you may have to change your status.
If you are Honduran with TPS
TPS for Honduras has been extended for 6 months. This extension is not indicative of whether TPS protection will be renewed at the end of the next six months for Honduras. According to DHS’s announcement, “it is possible that the TPS designation for Honduras will be terminated at the end of the six-month automatic extension with an appropriate delay.” This 6 month extension expires on July 5, 2018. DHS’s final decision regarding any additional extensions of Honduran TPS can be expected earlier next year.
What if I have TPS but I am not from Honduras or Nicaragua?
By law DHS must announce TPS designations 60 days prior to the program’s expiration. DHS already ended TPS for Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea this past May 21, 2017. TPS for Sudan will end November 2, 2018.
DHS is expected to announce its decision regarding whether to extend TPS protection for Haiti by November 26, 2017. Based on statements made by former DHS Secretary, John F. Kelly, we expect Haitian TPS to end soon.
DHS is expected to announce its decision on Salvadoran TPS by January 8, 2018. The remaining countries under TPS protection (Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) should be on alert for designation decisions next year.
Call Antonini and Cohen for Help
If you currently reside in the United States with TPS, contact the attorneys at Antonini and Cohen – (404) 850-9394. It is important that you have sufficient time to discuss and apply for any alternative options you may have in case your TPS is terminated.
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