Temporary Protected Status and humanitarian parole programs have been the subject of significant legal and policy battles throughout 2025 and into 2026. For hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals currently living and working in the United States under these designations, the landscape is shifting rapidly. Federal courts have intervened in multiple termination decisions, and USCIS guidance on Employment Authorization Documents is being updated on a near monthly basis.
If you or someone you know holds TPS or parole status, understanding where things stand today is not just advisable. It is essential.
Parole Programs: Current Status
| Program | Status | Key Updates | EAD / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHNV Parole (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) | Terminated | Supreme Court allowed termination May 30, 2025 | Deportation proceedings may begin without alternative status |
| Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) | Active | USCIS paused Form I-134A acceptance per Jan. 20, 2025 executive order | Existing beneficiaries retain status; future of program uncertain |
| Afghan Parole Programs | Suspended | USCIS Policy Alert Nov. 27, 2025 suspended discretionary benefits for 19 travel ban countries | Beneficiaries should monitor for updates |
| Military Parole in Place | Active | No changes reported | Continues to provide relief for eligible military families |
| Family Reunification Parole (FRP) | Litigation | Jan. 25, 2026 court order stays termination for Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras | Termination was set for Jan. 14, 2026; beneficiaries should monitor for updates |
TPS Programs: Current Status
| Country | Status | Key Updates | EAD Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Terminated | Termination announced Mar. 21, 2025 | Effective through Jul. 14, 2025 |
| Burma (Myanmar) | Litigation / Court Order | N.D. Ill. vacated termination Jan. 23, 2026; USCIS appeal in progress | Enter “as per court order” in I-9 Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2 |
| Cameroon | Terminated | Termination announced Jun. 4, 2025 | Effective through Aug. 4, 2025 |
| El Salvador | Active | Valid through Sep. 9, 2026 | EADs with Mar. 9, 2025 expiration auto-extended through Jul. 22, 2026 |
| Ethiopia | Litigation / Court Order | D. Mass. stay issued Jan. 30, 2025; DHS termination notice published Dec. 15, 2025 | Enter “as per court order” in Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2. EADs extended per court order from Feb. 13, 2026 |
| Haiti | Litigation / Court Order | SCOTUS heard oral arguments Apr. 29, 2026; D.C. district court stay in place | Enter “as per court order” in Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2 |
| Honduras | Terminated | 9th Cir. stay Feb. 9, 2026 allowed termination to proceed | TPS designation and work authorization terminated Feb. 9, 2026 |
| Lebanon | Active | Designated through May 27, 2026 | EAD effective through May 27, 2026; confirm current status with USCIS |
| Nepal | Terminated | 9th Cir. stay Feb. 9, 2026 allowed termination to proceed | TPS designation and work authorization terminated Feb. 9, 2026 |
| Nicaragua | Terminated | 9th Cir. stay Feb. 9, 2026 allowed termination to proceed | TPS designation and work authorization terminated Feb. 9, 2026 |
| Somalia | Litigation / Court Order | D. Mass. stay issued Mar. 13, 2026; African Communities Together v. Noem | Enter “as per court order” in Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2 |
| South Sudan | Litigation / Court Order | D. Mass. stay Dec. 30, 2025; DHS termination notice published Nov. 6, 2025 | Enter “as per court order” in Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2 |
| Sudan | Active | Extended Jan. 17, 2025; designated through Oct. 19, 2026 | EADs auto-extended through Apr. 19, 2026 |
| Syria | Litigation / Court Order | SCOTUS heard oral arguments Apr. 29, 2026; federal judge blocked termination Nov. 19, 2025 | Enter “as per court order” in Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2 |
| Ukraine | Active | Designated through Oct. 19, 2026 | EADs auto-extended through Apr. 19, 2026 |
| Venezuela (2021 designation) | Terminated | SCOTUS granted stay Oct. 3, 2025; DHS confirmed 2021 TPS expires Nov. 7, 2025 | EADs with 9/10/25, 3/10/24, or 9/9/22 expiration effective through Nov. 7, 2025 |
| Venezuela (2023 designation) | Litigation / Court Order | 9th Cir. en banc rehearing denied Mar. 12, 2026; government must seek SCOTUS certiorari | EADs issued on or before Feb. 5, 2025 with Oct. 2, 2026 card expiry remain valid through Oct. 2, 2026 |
| Yemen | Litigation / Court Order | S.D.N.Y. stay issued May 1, 2026; termination effective date was May 4, 2026 | Enter “as per court order” in Section 1; July 1, 2026 in Section 2 |
Source: USCIS. EAD guidance dates are subject to periodic revision. Check I-9 Central regularly for the latest updates.
Programs That Have Been Terminated
Several parole and TPS designations have been fully or effectively terminated. The CHNV Parole program covering Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans was allowed to end by the U.S. Supreme Court as of May 30, 2025. TPS for Afghanistan was terminated with an effective date of July 14, 2025. TPS designations for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua were terminated as of February 9, 2026 following a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stay of lower court orders that had temporarily restored protections.
Individuals affected by these terminations who have not secured alternative immigration status face serious exposure to removal proceedings.
Programs Protected by Court Order
A significant number of TPS programs remain in effect only because federal courts have issued orders blocking their termination. This includes TPS for Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela (2023 designation), and Yemen. In each of these cases, USCIS has acknowledged the court orders and extended EAD validity accordingly.
As of the guidance issued through April and May 2026, USCIS has directed employers to record “as per court order” in Section 1 of Form I 9 for affected employees, and to enter July 1, 2026 as the expiration date in Section 2. Employers are encouraged to download and attach the relevant USCIS and I 9 Central alerts to each employee’s Form I 9 file.
For TPS Haiti and Syria, the matter has reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Oral arguments were heard on April 29, 2026, and a decision is expected in the coming months. Both programs remain protected while the litigation continues.
Active Programs With No Changes
TPS for El Salvador remains valid through September 9, 2026. TPS for Sudan is designated through October 19, 2026 with EADs auto extended through April 19, 2026. Ukraine TPS is also designated through October 19, 2026. Lebanon TPS was designated through May 27, 2026, and employers and beneficiaries should confirm current status.
The Uniting for Ukraine program remains active for existing beneficiaries, though USCIS paused new applications following a January 20, 2025 executive order. Military Parole in Place continues with no reported changes.
What Employers and Employees Should Do Now
Given how frequently USCIS guidance on EAD expiration dates is being updated, USCIS recommends checking I 9 Central regularly for press releases. Employers who have already made a notation on Form I 9 about a court order extension are generally not required to update the form each time USCIS revises its guidance date.
If your EAD was issued under a program currently in litigation, do not assume your work authorization has lapsed. Verify the current guidance for your specific country designation and consult qualified immigration counsel promptly.
FAQ: TPS and Parole Status in 2026
Q: My TPS country was listed as terminated. Am I out of status?
A: Not necessarily. Many termination decisions have been stayed or vacated by federal courts. The answer depends on your specific country designation and the current status of any litigation. You should consult an immigration attorney immediately to review your individual circumstances.
Q: My Form I 9 has an old EAD expiration date. What should I do?
A: USCIS has issued updated guidance directing that certain TPS related EADs be recorded with a July 1, 2026 expiration date in Section 2, along with a note in the additional information box. Check I 9 Central for the latest guidance applicable to your country.
Q: Does a court order staying TPS termination mean my status is fully restored?
A: A stay means the termination is paused while litigation continues. It does not permanently restore TPS. Beneficiaries should monitor court developments and maintain contact with counsel to understand how final decisions may affect them.
Q: The Supreme Court heard arguments on TPS for Haiti and Syria. What does that mean?
A: The Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments, which were conducted on April 29, 2026. No decision has been issued yet. Both programs remain protected for now, but the outcome will be significant for hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Q: Can Ahluwalia Law Offices help me assess my TPS or parole situation?
A: Yes. Our immigration attorneys work with clients across the United States on TPS, parole, and related employment authorization matters. We encourage anyone with questions about their current status to schedule a consultation with our team.
This blog is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC. The legal information provided herein may not apply to your individual circumstances and is subject to change based on evolving immigration laws and policies. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult directly with a qualified immigration attorney for guidance tailored to their specific situation. Our front desk staff is not authorized to interpret legal information or provide legal advice beyond what is explicitly stated in this blog. They are also not permitted to assess eligibility, review case details, or respond to case-specific inquiries. Due to the high volume of inquiries and the sensitive nature of immigration matters, we cannot respond to questions or requests for legal analysis via phone or email unless a formal consultation has been scheduled. Please book an appointment with one of our attorneys if you require personalized legal assistance. This is attorney advertising.
