PRESS RELEASE 

For immediate release 

September 8, 2025

Contact: press@alianzaamericas.org / (773) 638-4278

Today, September 8th, not only marks the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) relief for Honduras and Nicaragua, it is a vivid example of the inhumanity of an administration that imposes its xenophobic values ​​over the defense of human rights, and of the contempt for thousands of people who have lived in dozens of cities across the United States for more than three decades. At the same time, it is a symptom of the lack of political will in Congress, which for more than 30 years has ignored providing a permanent solution for TPS beneficiaries.

Approximately 76,000 people from Honduras and 4,000 from Nicaragua received TPS relief on January 5, 1999, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch, which devastated both countries and displaced thousands of people in late 1998. We believe it is necessary to highlight that for more than three decades TPS holders from Honduras and Nicaragua not only strengthened the social fabric of the cities where they settled and brought hope to their families in their countries of origin through billions of remittances; they also form part of mixed-status families with US citizen spouses and children.

These individuals are our neighbors and have revitalized US economies with their multimillion-dollar tax returns, money that allows many Americans to access healthcare, education, transportation, public housing, and food aid, among other benefits.

The Trump administration's decision is not only a racialized attack on people who face high levels of vulnerability if deported; Canceling TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua, in addition to other racially-driven mass deportation strategies increases the conditions of inequity affecting the American people. We must also recognize that neither Honduras nor Nicaragua have adequate security conditions, infrastructure, or services to guarantee the dignified reintegration of people who have lived in the United States for more than two decades. Many communities still suffer from the ravages of Hurricane Mitch, exacerbated by state neglect, violence, corruption, and lack of opportunities.

We are concerned about the short- and long-term impacts at the regional level, as the governments of Honduras and Nicaragua lack the adequate infrastructure to receive thousands of retirement-age people who wish to remain active and meet their needs. This unjust decision will further destabilize the precarious living conditions in Central America and promote more forced displacement.

We urgently call on the United States Congress to enact fair legislation to permanently protect TPS holders. State and municipal governments can also do their part by organizing local dialogues to understand how best to support the difficult decisions facing the thousands of people who will lose their immigration status and see their work permits revoked today.

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Alianza Americas is a transnational network of migrant-led organizations in the United States. We advocate for social justice, equity and human rights in the Americas.