In a move to protect thousands of immigrants, the City of New York has joined forces with a coalition of local governments across the United States, filing an amicus brief against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. This action, as per an announcement from the Mayor's office, stands as a barricade against the impending threat to the legal standing of these individuals within the United States.
"Our administration has skillfully managed a humanitarian crisis that has seen over 237,000 asylum seekers and migrants come to New York City seeking care, and we managed this crisis by showing dignity and respect, including by helping over 111,000 apply for work authorization, asylum, and TPS," New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed in a press release, which further emphasized the necessity of TPS as a tool to assist migrants in contributing lawfully to society, this need has become ever more pressing with the looming expiry dates for TPS — August 5 for Nepal, and September 8 for Honduras and Nicaragua.
The termination of TPS would affect not only the Nepali immigrants who found a sanctuary after the devastating earthquake in 2015 but also those from Honduras and Nicaragua, who have rebuilt their lives since Hurricane Mitch in 1999. As reported by New York City officials, ending these protections could unravel the economic contributions of more than 60,000 people who have integrated into their local communities, contributing to local economies and actively participating in the U.S. workforce at rates that surpass national averages.
"Stripping them of legal status and work authorization would not only be cruel, it would destabilize our city," warned Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. According to the coalition opposing the move, such action could lead to the separation of families and psychological trauma—particularly for the more than 260,000 U.S. citizen children living with TPS holders. It may also undermine public safety by pushing immigrant communities further into the shadows and place added strain on public health systems, potentially increasing costs for local governments, as per report by the Mayor's office.
A range of services offered by New York City—including the Asylum Application Help Center, workforce development programs, and targeted case management—demonstrate the city’s ongoing support for migrants working toward self-sufficiency. These initiatives have shown measurable results over the past three years: over 90 percent of eligible adult asylum seekers or migrants in the city’s care have received or applied for work authorization, more than 200,000 individuals have progressed toward independence, and the city has projected significant budget savings in future fiscal years.
In addition to New York City, the amicus brief has received support from multiple jurisdictions nationwide, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Minneapolis—reflecting a strong, unified position in support of TPS holders, their families, and their communities. A complete list of participating jurisdictions and further information about the coalition’s efforts can be found on the official website of the Office of the Mayor.
