In Tegucigalpa, Juan Flores, a prominent Honduran migrant leader and president of the 15 de Septiembre Foundation, expressed deep concern over the U.S. government’s decision not to renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Hondurans. This measure affects over 50,000 individuals who have lived in the U.S. for more than two decades, and Flores described it as an unexpected and devastating blow.
“This news has hit us like a bucket of cold water. It’s very sad, especially because we know how important TPS is for Honduran families who have built their lives here over the years,” Flores stated.
He emphasized that the only course of action now will be through legal avenues, as efforts are already underway to file a class-action lawsuit to protect TPS for Hondurans. “We will pursue legal avenues. Our argument is clear: there are no conditions in Honduras for our compatriots to be returned. This isn’t just about losing a job; many will face deportation orders after being protected for over 20 years,” he explained.
Flores also criticized the Honduran government’s inaction on this matter, noting, “It’s unfortunate that the government of Honduras has not done anything to prevent this situation, even having agreements like the Safe Third Country deal. We expected a different response.”
He called for calm among Hondurans protected by TPS, adding, “We have 60 days to take legal action. We ask all our compatriots not to panic. We faced this situation in 2018, and we will continue to fight for a solution.”
The Foundation and various migrant advocacy organizations are already in contact with legal teams to coordinate upcoming judicial actions. “Our fight is just beginning, and we will not allow thousands of families to be separated or deported to a country that does not provide adequate conditions for their return,” Flores concluded.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many migrants and the importance of legal support in navigating immigration issues. Advocacy efforts such as those led by the 15 de Septiembre Foundation play a crucial role in defending the rights of vulnerable populations.