Court Order Brings Relief to TPS Beneficiaries from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal

On December 31, 2022, a federal court ruling brought significant relief to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. Judge Trina L. Thompson declared that the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the TPS program was illegal.

Court Ruling Restores TPS for Beneficiaries

The ruling affects approximately 60,000 individuals who have been under TPS since its inception following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in late October 1998. This storm primarily impacted Honduras and Nicaragua, leading to widespread destruction.

Beneficiary Reactions

• Francis García, a TPS recipient from San Pedro Sula, expressed her relief over the decision. She noted the difficulties immigrants face in the United States due to anti-immigrant policies.
• Cecilia Rodríguez, president of the Honduran Alliance in Los Angeles, has been an advocate for TPS recipients and sees the program as crucial for justice. She cited ongoing struggles in Honduras that drive migration to the U.S.

The court ruling also provides work authorization, Social Security numbers, and protection from deportation for TPS beneficiaries. It underscores the significance of the program as a humanitarian measure.

Legal Implications

Elizabeth Uribe, an immigration attorney, highlighted the ruling’s implications for job security and protection from immigration enforcement. The court noted that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, failed to conduct a proper review before ending TPS.

This legal action stemmed from a lawsuit filed in July by the National TPS Alliance, challenging the abrupt TPS termination. The court’s 52-page ruling indicated that necessary consultations and considerations were overlooked, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

Community Support and Advocacy

The legal fight for TPS beneficiaries continues, and affected individuals are encouraged to seek assistance from community organizations. Activists stress the importance of ensuring that everyone knows their rights and the protections afforded by the TPS program.

The ruling is seen as a step forward, but advocates warn that the battle is not yet over, as the Trump administration may appeal the decision.

Advocates’ Opinions

Legal experts and community leaders agree that the decision aligns with previous court rulings over the past year, which determined that the administration failed to comply with legal requirements regarding TPS.

As the situation evolves, TPS beneficiaries remain hopeful but vigilant, prepared to advocate for their rights and those of others facing similar challenges.