Judge blocks cancellation of TPS for Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal: Protects 60,000 immigrants

paola vanessa romero rondon
2 days ago
3 min read

The year 2026 begins with news that brings relief and hope to thousands of immigrant families. A federal judge in California has issued a clear order: the government must reinstate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for more than 60,000 people from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal.

If you or your family belong to these communities, this means that, for now, you regain your right to work legally and live without fear of deportation. Here we explain in simple terms what happened, why this decision was made, and what it means for your future.

Federal District Judge Trina Thompson ruled that the Trump administration acted improperly and illegally in attempting to end TPS for these three countries.

En su fallo, la jueza señaló tres puntos críticos sobre las acciones del gobierno actual:

Failure to follow procedure: The federal government did not follow the correct administrative steps to terminate the program.

Inadequate reviews: The administration did not adequately review whether current conditions in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal allowed for the safe return of immigrants.

Evidence of discrimination or animosity: The judge rejected the government's request to dismiss the case, stating that there was evidence of "racial animosity" behind the Trump administration's decision to cancel these protections.

Judge Thompson wrote: "The rule of law requires that when executive officials exceed their authority, they be held accountable."

The current administration has reacted strongly against the court order. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin called the ruling an "illegal and activist order" that usurps the president's authority.

The Trump administration's argument is that TPS was designed to be temporary and that previous administrations (prior to Trump) misused it as a permanent amnesty. According to McLaughlin, "now is the right time to end" these designations, arguing that the situation in those countries has improved.

What does this mean for beneficiaries?

The court ruling has an immediate effect on tens of thousands of Nicaraguans, Hondurans, and Nepalese who are in the United States:

Restoration of Protections: For now, they regain their legal status and protection from deportation.

Work Permits: Their work permits regain their validity.

Temporary Relief: While the government prepares its appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court, the protections remain in effect.

Voices from the Community

The National TPS Alliance, along with the plaintiffs, celebrated the ruling as a crucial victory. José Palma, spokesperson for the alliance, stated: "This victory gives hope to more than 60,000 people who have lost their TPS and are in danger of deportation."

For people like Jhony Silva, a 29-year-old Honduran plaintiff who lost his job as a nursing assistant due to the program's cancellation, this order is a lifeline: "I hope this means that my son and I can be safe in the United States for the time being."

SOURCE: El Nuevo Herald

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can the Trump administration appeal this decision?

Yes. It is very likely that the administration will file an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court to try to overturn Judge Thompson's order. However, while that is happening, the order to reinstate TPS remains in effect.

2. Why does the Trump administration want to end TPS?

The administration argues that TPS should be temporary and not a way to stay in the country indefinitely. They also maintain that conditions in the countries of origin have improved enough for beneficiaries to return.

3. What should beneficiaries do now?

You should stay informed about official announcements from USCIS in response to this court order. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to find out how to proceed with renewing your work permits under this new court order.

Do you need a lawyer to help you obtain your papers in the United States?

At Inmigración Ok Abogados, we provide you with the help you need. We are a law firm with extensive experience in advising people like you on how to legally settle in the country.

Our company not only stands out for its professionalism and efficiency, but also offers payment facilities so that you don't feel that your dreams are out of reach due to financial barriers. Inmigración Ok Abogados is committed to you, and our main goal is to ensure that you have the best legal representation for your case.

Let us be part of your journey toward a better and safer life in the United States. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Best of all, the initial review of your case is free of charge!

Don't wait any longer and take the first step toward your future in the United States. Write to us now at our WhatsApp al +1 (908) 585-4523! Our team looks forward to learning about your case and providing you with the advice you deserve. We will review your case at no cost.