United States Announces End of TPS for Nicaragua After 25 Years in Effect
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua, with an official expiration date set for July 5, 2025. This measure was communicated by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who emphasized that the decision aligns with the temporary nature of this humanitarian program.
TPS is an immigration measure implemented by the U.S. government to provide protection to citizens of countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Nicaragua was included in this program in 1999, after Hurricane Mitch caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
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However, according to U.S. immigration law, TPS designation must be reviewed regularly and can only be extended if the conditions that led to its implementation persist. After an interagency evaluation process, which included analysis from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State, DHS concluded that the situation in Nicaragua has significantly improved.
“The effects of the natural disaster that impacted Nicaragua in 1999 no longer exist. The environmental situation has improved enough for Nicaraguan citizens to return home safely,” stated a DHS spokesperson.
What’s next for TPS beneficiaries?
With the official publication of the termination in the Federal Register, Nicaraguan beneficiaries will have a 60-day period to prepare for the change. This includes seeking legal alternatives to remain in the country or arranging for voluntary departure.
To facilitate this process, DHS recommends using the CBP One application, developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which allows migrants to safely report their departure. Additional benefits include:
- Free plane ticket
- $1,000 departure bonus
- Possible future opportunities for legal immigration
This tool aims to ensure an orderly process and provide some stability to those who decide to return to Nicaragua voluntarily.
A return to the program’s temporary nature
U.S. authorities emphasized that TPS was never intended as a permanent immigration solution. This decision, according to DHS, restores the integrity of the immigration system and reaffirms that the program should only be used while extraordinary conditions in the designated country persist.
From: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/07/dhs-terminates-tps-nicaragua-it-was-never-meant-last-25-years
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