Trump gets green light to remove Temporary Protected Status from Hondurans, Nicaraguans, Nepalis

The lower court's decision from Judge Trina Thompson blocked the Department of Homeland Security from terminating TPS protections for immigrants in the three countries at the end of July, adding to a number of district court decisions that have attempted to block policies implemented by the Trump administration.

The appeals court panel that blocked her decision is made up of three judges who were appointed by former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, as well as Trump.

Thompson had written in her ruling, "The freedom to live fearlessly, the opportunity of liberty, and the American dream. That is all Plaintiffs seek," Thompson, a Biden appointee, wrote in an order. "Instead, they are told to atone for their race, leave because of their names, and purify their blood. The Court disagrees,” per Fox News.

The appeals court decision, however, wrote, "The district court's order granting plaintiffs' motion to postpone, entered July 31, 2025, is stayed pending further order of this court."

TPS is a designation that is meant to allow for those in foreign countries under ongoing conflict, natural disaster, and other conditions to stay in the United States for a temporary period, but is "a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status." Although, those in the US under TPS may apply for nonimmigrant status if certain conditions are met.

“This is yet another huge legal victory for the Trump Administration, the rule of law, safety of the American public. Temporary Protected Status was always meant to be just that: Temporary,” DHS said in a statement in response to the appeals court decision.

“TPS was never meant to be a de facto asylum system, yet that is how previous administrations have used it for decades while allowing hundreds of thousands of foreigners into the country without proper vetting. This unanimous decision will help restore integrity to our immigration system to keep our homeland and its people safe," DHS added.