California Judge Extends TPS Protections for 61,000 Immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal

A federal judge in California, Trina L. Thompson, has ruled to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 61,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal until at least November 18, 2025, providing a temporary reprieve from deportation and work permit termination. This decision challenges the Trump administration's recent move to end TPS designations for these countries, which the administration justified by claiming improved conditions in the migrants' home countries, particularly referencing recovery from the 1998 Hurricane Mitch. The judge found evidence suggesting that the administration's termination decision may have been influenced by racial animus and criticized the lack of thorough review of current conditions, emphasizing the significant economic and familial hardships the termination would cause. The ruling is part of an ongoing lawsuit brought by TPS holders and advocacy groups arguing that the administration failed to follow proper legal procedures and constitutional protections. While this extension preserves the status quo, the case will continue with a hearing scheduled to consider the merits of the challenge. The Trump administration has indicated it may appeal the ruling to a higher court.