By Ana Milena Varón
Los Angeles, US (EFE) – United States President Donald Trump has renewed his efforts to dismantle Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, reigniting fear and uncertainty across affected communities.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially terminated TPS for around 76,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal, citing improved conditions in their home countries.
The move follows earlier announcements ending TPS for more than 800,000 Venezuelans and Haitians.
TPS allows nationals from countries affected by war or natural disasters to live and work in the United States temporarily. It currently applies to citizens of 17 countries.
“The administration argues conditions have changed, but on the ground, many still face danger,” said José Palma, coordinator of the National TPS Alliance. “An attack on TPS for one group is an attack on all of us.”
The end of TPS means affected immigrants lose work permits and face deportation.
Trump attempted similar cancellations during his first term (2017–2021), which were blocked in court.
If allowed, those orders would have impacted 98% of TPS holders at the time, according to legal filings.
“These cancellations reopen old wounds,” Palma said. “We must stand united against hate.”
El Salvador still protected, but for how long?
El Salvador, whose citizens makeup one of the largest TPS groups, has so far kept its status through Sep. 2026, thanks in part to close ties between Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
The Salvadoran government currently detains migrants for the US in a high-security facility, CECOT, including over 230 Venezuelans.
However, activists fear this alliance may not protect Salvadorans forever.
“With this administration, nothing is guaranteed,” warned Teresa Tejada, director of the Salvadoran Association of Los Angeles (Asosal). “Everyone must prepare for a possible termination.”
Tejada also highlighted ongoing administrative delays. “Salvadorans with TPS from 2001 are losing jobs because their work permits haven’t arrived. Local authorities and employers are confused about who is still protected.”
Confusion, detentions, and legal challenges mount
One recent case added to these concerns. Rodolfo Villanueva Aguilar, a Salvadoran TPS holder, and his son Dennis were detained by ICE while working in a garden in West Covina, California, on Jun. 24.
They were transferred to a detention center in El Paso, Texas, complicating legal support.
“The system is not working,” said Tejada. “When one country’s TPS ends, people think everyone’s ended.”
Despite legal resistance, Trump’s renewed actions on TPS, especially targeting protections extended under Former United States President Joe Biden, are reshaping immigration policy once again.
“We face another legal and political battle,” Palma added. “But we’ve done it before. And we’ll do it again.” EFE
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