It almost seems that Tom Crooks, Donald Trump, and Kristi Noem share a similar mindset.
Tom Crooks believed life itself was temporary — and acted on that belief by attempting to end Trump’s life. We all know the outcome of that reckless choice.
In a different arena, Trump and Kristi Noem treated TPS (Temporary Protected Status) as if it were temporary and merely disposable, something to be ended without regard for millions of lives depending on it. What happens next, however, remains to be seen.
==============================================
Current Status Now
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua: Current Legal Status and Next Steps
Background
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was created by Congress to provide humanitarian protection to nationals of designated countries facing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
For years, TPS holders from Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua have lived and worked lawfully in the U.S. under this program. The policy has shifted depending on which administration was in power, and litigation has followed nearly every attempt to end or extend TPS.
Recent Court Actions & Timeline
June 2023 – The Biden administration extended TPS for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua for 18 months, through mid-2025, reversing earlier Trump-era termination orders.
July 31, 2025 – The Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction, blocking DHS from terminating TPS for Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua until at least November 18, 2025. DHS confirmed that TPS holders’ Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) would remain valid until that date.
August 20–21, 2025 – The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted that injunction. This effectively reinstated the original terminations:
Nepal TPS expired August 5, 2025
Honduras and Nicaragua TPS set to expire September 8, 2025 (unless a new court order intervenes).
Thus, unless another court intervenes, TPS protections for these countries are ending on the above dates.
Why the Ninth Circuit Decision Matters
The Ninth Circuit panel included judges appointed by Presidents Trump, Bush, and Clinton. By reversing the district court’s injunction, they allowed DHS’s earlier termination decisions to proceed despite the humanitarian arguments advanced by TPS holders and advocates.
Advocates argue this ruling disrespected the district court’s fact-finding and jeopardizes families who have lived lawfully in the U.S. for years.
What Could Happen Next?
=====================
Litigation is not finished. Several paths remain open:
1.
U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS)
Parties can seek an emergency stay to pause the terminations while an appeal is heard.
Alternatively, they may petition for full review (certiorari).
2.
En Banc Ninth Circuit Review
Advocates can request that the full Ninth Circuit rehear the case.
This is granted only if the panel’s decision conflicts with precedent or raises exceptionally important issues.
3.
New District Court Motions
The Northern District of California could consider new motions if fresh evidence or legal grounds arise (e.g., worsening country conditions).
However, because the Ninth Circuit has already reversed its injunction, the trial court’s ability to act is limited.
4.
Other Circuits
If similar TPS cases arise elsewhere (e.g., in the Second or Eleventh Circuits), conflicting rulings could emerge, increasing the likelihood of Supreme Court intervention.
==================================
Current Status (as of August 21, 2025)
Nepal: TPS expired August 5, 2025.
Honduras & Nicaragua: TPS scheduled to end September 8, 2025.
EADs: Employment authorization remains valid only as long as TPS remains in effect.
Next Steps for Advocacy
====================
Immigrant rights groups and TPS holders may pursue:
Emergency relief from SCOTUS to block terminations.
Legislative solutions from Congress providing permanent residency options for long-term TPS holders.
Administrative action from DHS, including re-designation or extension of TPS based on updated country conditions.
===================================================
Human Impact / Uncertain Outcomes
-
Mass Displacement Risk: Families with U.S. citizen children could face separation or forced return to unstable conditions.
-
Community & Workforce Disruption: TPS holders are deeply embedded in essential industries (healthcare, construction, caregiving). Their removal would ripple economically.
-
Renewed Advocacy & Protests: National TPS Alliance and other groups are preparing large-scale mobilization to pressure the courts and policymakers.
👉 So, in short:
-
If courts intervene: TPS could be preserved (at least temporarily).
-
If DHS acts: TPS could be extended or re-designated regardless of litigation.
-
If Congress acts: A permanent solution could emerge.
-
If nothing happens: Terminations go forward, and people lose status starting with Nepal (already August 2025) and Honduras/Nicaragua (September 2025).
Conclusion
=========
The Ninth Circuit’s decision has put tens of thousands of TPS holders from Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua at immediate risk of losing lawful status. The fight is not over — higher courts, Congress, and DHS all retain the power to intervene. But unless quick action is taken, terminations will proceed in the coming weeks, displacing families who have lived in the U.S. lawfully and contributed to society for years.
Last edited: 22-Aug-25 01:42 PM
Last edited: 22-Aug-25 01:44 PM
Last edited: 22-Aug-25 01:47 PM
Last edited: 22-Aug-25 01:54 PM
Last edited: 22-Aug-25 02:31 PM
