DHS Announces Reversal of Previous Administration’s Termination of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua

In a significant decision today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared the reversal of the previous Administration's terminations of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. The TPS for these countries is now extended for 18 months, ensuring continued protection for existing beneficiaries. 

This announcement holds particular relevance to ongoing litigation challenging the previously rescinded terminations. DHS, in its commitment to monitoring global conditions, assesses the need for new TPS designations. 

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated, "Through the extension of Temporary Protected Status, we are able to offer continued safety and protection to current beneficiaries who are nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, already present in the United States and unable to return due to the impacts of environmental disasters. We will continue to offer support through this temporary form of humanitarian relief." 

Upcoming Federal Register notices will detail eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures for current beneficiaries to re-register for TPS and renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). 

Existing TPS beneficiaries under the four designations will be able to re-register for the 18-month extension once the notices are published. Individuals arriving in the United States after the specified continuous residence dates are ineligible for TPS. Continuous residence dates are Feb. 13, 2001, for El Salvador; Dec. 30, 1998, for Honduras and Nicaragua; and June 24, 2015, for Nepal. 

In compliance with court orders, DHS had previously extended the validity of TPS-related documentation for current beneficiaries through June 30, 2024. 

Details of the extension for each country and the re-registration period are as follows: 

El Salvador: 

• TPS extended from Sept. 10, 2023, through March 9, 2025. 
• Re-registration period: July 12, 2023, through Sept. 10, 2023. 

Honduras: 

• TPS extended from Jan. 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025. 
• Re-registration period: Nov. 6, 2023, through Jan. 5, 2024. 

Nepal: 

• TPS extended from Dec. 25, 2023, through June 24, 2025. 
• Re-registration period: Oct. 24, 2023, through Dec. 23, 2023. 

Nicaragua: 

• TPS extended from Jan. 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025. 
• Re-registration period: Nov. 6, 2023, through Jan. 5, 2024.