Washington: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ending temporary protected status (TPS) for thousands of migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua, citing improved conditions in both countries, as revealed in notices published in the Federal Register.

According to Anadolu Agency, the decision was made after careful review of the current situations in Honduras and Nicaragua and consultations with relevant US government agencies. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a formal notice stating that Honduras no longer meets the criteria for TPS designation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the Honduran government has adequately addressed the impacts of Hurricane Mitch, which led to the TPS designation almost 27 years ago. Similarly, Nicaragua's termination notice highlighted that the conditions resulting from a 1999 natural disaster no longer exist.

The TPS designations for both Honduras and Nicaragua were initially granted on January 5, 1999. The termination of this status is set to take effect 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register. This move follows a recent pattern, as similar TPS status for Haiti was lifted in June, although a federal judge subsequently blocked that decision.

The TPS program is designed to offer temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to nationals from countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary situations. During designated periods, TPS beneficiaries are protected from removal from the US, can obtain employment authorization, and may receive travel authorization, while being protected from detention based on immigration status.