The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has instructed U.S. employers to terminate the employment of thousands of foreign workers who have been protected under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, as several of their work permits are set to expire in July. The program, designed to shield nationals from countries experiencing crisis conditions from deportation, has been targeted for dismantling by the Trump administration.

According to notices issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), TPS work permits for Haitians are scheduled to expire on July 24, while permits for individuals from Ethiopia, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen will lapse on July 17. These updates follow a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the federal government’s authority to terminate TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, which could expose tens of thousands of individuals to deportation once their status ends.

There are approximately 330,000 Haitian and 6,100 Syrian nationals currently living in the United States under TPS. The total population from the other five affected countries is around 20,000, based on estimates from the National Immigration Forum. The program provides work authorization to those who cannot safely return to their home countries due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other severe crises.

USCIS had previously extended work authorizations in short increments, moving an initial expiration date of July 1 first to July 10 and then again to July 17 and July 24. However, some employers had already dismissed TPS workers earlier amid uncertainty about the program's future, while others continued to employ them pending final implementation of the court’s decision.

Jacob Monty, legal counsel for the American Business Immigration Coalition, noted that many employers have been confused by the changing deadlines and feared legal repercussions for continuing to employ TPS holders. “We still have rule of law, and TPS has still not been terminated,” Monty said, adding that clearer guidance from USCIS might have prevented premature layoffs.

TPS recipients hold a significant presence in the U.S. workforce, particularly in healthcare and caregiving roles for older adults. They also contribute to manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors.

In addition to Haitians and Syrians—the focus of the Supreme Court ruling—the administration has expressed intent to end TPS for workers from Ethiopia, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. Although ongoing lawsuits had delayed these efforts, the Supreme Court's decision is expected to set a legal precedent that will facilitate termination of TPS for these countries.

Government communications to employers emphasize that lower federal courts are likely to align with the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the administration's authority to end TPS designations. While protections for some countries, such as Lebanon, have been extended, the ruling may accelerate the expiration of TPS for additional nations, including El Salvador, whose roughly 200,000 TPS holders face possible termination of protections in early September.

The TPS program was established in 1990 to provide temporary relief to nationals from countries experiencing extraordinary conditions. The Trump administration has criticized TPS as becoming a “permanent” immigration channel due to repeated renewals by previous administrations. Immigrant advocates have condemned efforts to end the program, highlighting that many of the countries involved remain beset by armed conflict, political instability, deteriorating infrastructure, and reduced international aid.

Legal advocates for TPS recipients from Haiti and Syria contend that the termination decisions are politically driven and motivated by racial bias. However, the Supreme Court upheld the administration’s authority in a 6-to-3 ruling divided along ideological lines. The Department of Homeland Security has not issued immediate comment on the latest guidance to employers.