Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security announced on August 18 that terminations of Temporary Protected Status for several countries are in effect and warned beneficiaries they must leave or face deportation.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed Salvadoran TPS will expire on September 9, 2026 while allowing some holders with pending renewals to use expired work permits through that date.
- A federal judge lifted a stay on ending TPS for Ethiopians on August 18, and a separate court order preserves certain Venezuelan work authorizations until October 2, 2026, creating a patchwork of protections and deadlines.
- The government is promoting a CBP Home voluntary departure option that can provide paid travel, fines relief and a US$2,600 incentive, but state leaders and advocates warn of immediate labor and family disruption if large numbers leave or are removed.
- TPS began in 1990 as a temporary humanitarian permit that lets nationals of designated countries live and work in the U.S. without creating a path to permanent residency, and analysts say the recent terminations affect over one million long‑resident people who now must seek other legal options or face removal.