Cruel and unjust Hondurans, Nicaraguans in S.F. reel from Trump ending immigration protections

President Donald Trump announced on Monday the termination of temporary protected status (TPS) for about 80,000 Hondurans and Nicaraguans, affecting many who have lived in the U. S. since Hurricane Mitch in 1999. TPS has permitted these individuals to live and work legally due to unsafe conditions in their home countries. Lariza Duran-Cuadra, executive director of the Central American Resource Center, expressed that this decision marks “a really terrible day” for those who have established lives in the U.

S. TPS holders now face a September 8 deadline to leave the country or to explore other legal options, which are difficult to secure in such a short time. The program has historically provided refuge to migrants from various nations, including Syria and Afghanistan, but has left many in uncertainty. Local advocates highlight the emotional and practical ramifications of this decision for mixed-status families and communities. Legal experts anticipate challenges similar to those seen with previous TPS terminations for Haiti and Venezuela.

The impact of Hurricane Mitch, which devastated Central America in 1998, continues to resonate, as many argue that Honduras and Nicaragua remain unable to recover fully.