On July 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially published a Federal Register Notice for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, impacting over 72,000 nationals currently protected under this designation. The termination will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on September 8, 2025.
This announcement follows a statutory review of conditions in Honduras, where DHS determined that the country has sufficiently recovered from the conditions—specifically the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998—that originally warranted TPS designation.
What Does This Termination Mean?
Effective September 8, 2025, individuals from Honduras who currently hold TPS will have this protected status terminated and must transition to another lawful immigration category, if eligible.
Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) Automatically Extended
DHS has automatically extended the validity of certain EADs through the termination date. If your EAD lists the following category codes (A-12 or C-19) and a “Card Expires” date of:
- January 5, 2018
- July 5, 2018
- January 5, 2020
- January 4, 2021
- October 4, 2021
- December 31, 2022
- June 30, 2024
- July 5, 2025
…then your work authorization is valid through September 8, 2025 without any further action required, as long as your underlying TPS remains valid until then.
After September 8: TPS Status Will terminate
Unless you have transitioned to another immigration status (such as family-based adjustment, asylum, or employment-based options), your TPS will expire on September 8, 2025, and you may begin accruing unlawful presence.
DHS Decision Rationale
The Secretary of Homeland Security cited the following developments in Honduras to justify the termination:
- Strengthened disaster management capacity
- Infrastructure improvements
- Increased foreign investment and urban development
- Government programs to reintegrate returning nationals (e.g., “Brother, Come Home”)
- High access to basic sanitation, water, and electricity
This evaluation concluded that Honduras is no longer experiencing a “substantial, but temporary, disruption in living conditions” that would justify continued TPS protection under INA § 244.
What Should TPS Beneficiaries Do Now?
Here are immediate action steps for TPS holders from Honduras:
1. Confirm Your Work Authorization
If your EAD falls under the listed categories and expiration dates, you are authorized to work through September 8, 2025.
2. Review Your Immigration Options
Explore other legal avenues to remain in the United States lawfully. These may include:
- Adjustment of Status through family or employer
- Asylum (if you fear return due to conditions not related to Hurricane Mitch)
- Nonimmigrant visa applications
- Special humanitarian pathways
3. Seek a Legal Consultation
If you’re unsure of your options, seek individualized legal advice immediately. Timing is critical, as any transition plan must be executed before September 8, 2025.
For Employers
Employers must:
- Honor automatic EAD extensions through September 8, 2025
- Update Form I-9 records accordingly
- Avoid requesting extra documentation if the employee presents a qualifying EAD and category code (A12 or C19)
While this marks the official termination of TPS for Honduras, you still have time to explore next steps. At Ahluwalia Law Offices, we understand the anxiety surrounding this change and are committed to helping our clients find lawful pathways forward.
For a one-on-one consultation, call our front desk at 972-361-0606.
We will continue to monitor DHS guidance and provide timely updates. Watch our video on TPS Termination on YouTube for more information.
