TPS Terminations 2025-26: What to Do Now

Across 2025 and into 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a long list of countries. For the hundreds of thousands of people who have lived and worked in the U.S. under TPS, these announcements are deeply consequential — and the situation is changing quickly and being fought over in court. This article gives a plain-language overview of what was announced and, most importantly, what to do next.

This is general information about a fast-moving, heavily litigated area — not legal advice, and not a statement of your current status. TPS decisions are frequently challenged and sometimes paused by courts, and dates can shift. Always confirm your country's current TPS status on the official page, uscis.gov/tps, and talk to a qualified attorney before making any decision.

What TPS is (briefly)

Temporary Protected Status lets nationals of certain countries — designated because of armed conflict, disaster, or other extraordinary conditions — remain and work in the United States for a limited, renewable period. TPS is not a green card and does not, by itself, lead to permanent residence, but it provides protection from removal and work authorization while a country is designated.

The terminations DHS announced (2025–2026)

The following terminations were announced by DHS during this period. Effective dates and details come from each official announcement, but several have been challenged in litigation and some have been paused, narrowed, or extended by courts — so treat this as a timeline of announcements, not a guarantee of current status:

• Yemen — termination announced February 13, 2026 (effective per the Federal Register notice).
• Somalia — termination announced January 13, 2026.
• Ethiopia — termination announced December 12, 2025.
• Burma (Myanmar) — termination announced November 24, 2025.
• Syria — termination announced September 19, 2025.
• Venezuela (2021 designation) — termination announced September 3, 2025.
• Honduras — termination announced July 7, 2025.
• Nicaragua — termination announced July 7, 2025.
• Haiti — termination announced June 27, 2025.
• Afghanistan — termination announced May 12, 2025.

Because TPS for these countries has been the subject of ongoing legal challenges, the practical effect for any individual depends on the latest court orders and Federal Register notices — which is exactly why checking the current official status matters so much.

What TPS holders should do now

1. Verify your country's current status at uscis.gov/tps — do not rely on news headlines or social media for your own deadlines.
2. Know your dates. If your TPS or TPS-based work permit has an end date, mark it and plan ahead — see also our note that automatic EAD extensions have ended for new filings, which can affect TPS-related work documents.
3. Explore other options. Many TPS holders may qualify for another form of relief — a family or employment petition, adjustment of status, asylum, or another humanitarian category. Whether you qualify is fact-specific.
4. Do not leave the U.S. or let your status lapse without advice. Departing the country or falling out of status can create serious, sometimes permanent, problems. Get individualized advice first.

Why this matters

For TPS families, a termination announcement can feel like the ground shifting overnight. But an announcement is not always the final word, deadlines vary by country, and other paths may exist. The worst outcome is making an irreversible decision — leaving, missing a filing window, or giving up — based on incomplete or outdated information.

How we can help

If your country appears above, or you are unsure where your TPS stands, we can help you confirm your current status, protect your work authorization, and evaluate other options that may be available to you and your family. As a firm led by a former U.S. Immigration Judge, we help people navigate exactly this kind of fast-changing, high-stakes situation. If your TPS is in question, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Does a termination announcement mean I have already lost TPS?

Not necessarily. An announcement sets a process and an effective date, but TPS terminations are frequently challenged in court and can be paused, narrowed, or extended. Always confirm your country's current status at uscis.gov/tps.

My TPS work permit is expiring — what should I do?

Check the current TPS notice for your country and file any available renewal promptly. Note that automatic EAD extensions ended for renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025, so timing matters more than ever.

Are there other ways to stay if my TPS ends?

Possibly. Some TPS holders qualify for a family or employment-based path, adjustment of status, asylum, or another humanitarian category. Eligibility is highly individual — talk to a qualified attorney.

Where is the official, up-to-date TPS information?

The USCIS Temporary Protected Status page: uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status.

This article is general legal information about a fast-changing, litigated area, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. It does not state your current status or guarantee any outcome. TPS designations, dates, and court orders change; confirm the current status at uscis.gov/tps and consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation before taking any action.