Important Updates
Important Updates
October 8, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
October 8, 2025 | United KingdomManaging Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"
October 8, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Requirements Forthcoming for Identification Number Applicants and for Health Benefits for Children of Foreign Nationals
October 8, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Nationals of Lesotho and Zimbabwean Now Eligible for Automatically Extended Exemption Permits
October 8, 2025 | United StatesSports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz
October 8, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
October 8, 2025 | United KingdomManaging Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"
October 8, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Requirements Forthcoming for Identification Number Applicants and for Health Benefits for Children of Foreign Nationals
October 8, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Nationals of Lesotho and Zimbabwean Now Eligible for Automatically Extended Exemption Permits
October 8, 2025 | United StatesSports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz
October 8, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

United States: Ninth Circuit Vacates Order on TPS Termination for Several Countries, Agrees to Full Panel Rehearing

February 14, 2023

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a glance

  • The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated an earlier decision that would have permitted DHS to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan, and has agreed to an en banc rehearing of the case.
  • There is no immediate impact on TPS beneficiaries of the affected countries. In November 2022, DHS extended the TPS designations for the above countries through June 30, 2024.
  • Haiti and Sudan also continue to benefit from subsequent, separate TPS designations, unlike the other countries. The new Haiti designation extends through August 3, 2024. The new Sudan designation extends through October 19, 2023.

The issue

On February 10, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to an en banc rehearing of a lawsuit challenging the termination of TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. In doing so, the Ninth Circuit vacated the court’s September 2020 ruling on the matter – a split decision that would have permitted TPS terminations to move forward, had an implementation directive been issued by the court. As a result of the February 10 decision, the September 2020 ruling is reversed and a lower court injunction blocking termination of the affected TPS designations remains in effect. The case is Ramos v. Wolf, case number 18-16981.

In the meantime, as required by the terms of the pending litigation, TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan remain extended through June 30, 2024. Haiti and Sudan have also received separate, subsequent TPS designations based on current country conditions, as detailed below. There is no immediate impact of the February 10 decision on TPS designations for any of the affected countries or for TPS beneficiaries.

Background

On September 14, 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Ramos v. Wolf ruled that the Department of Homeland Security may proceed with its long-planned termination of TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Sudan, vacating a lower court decision that had blocked the terminations while litigation continues. That decision also affected the TPS designations for Nepal and Honduras, as required by court order in a separate California district court case.

The Ninth Circuit never issued a directive to implement its September 2020 order. As such, DHS was compelled to continue to extend TPS status and work documentation for the affected countries pursuant to the lower court injunction, and most recently extended TPS for the affected countries through June 30, 2024. The February 10 decision vacates the September 2020 order, leaving the lower court injunction blocking termination intact for now.

The TPS designation for Haiti, though included in the Ramos case, is also protected from termination under a separate injunction issued by a New York federal district court. The Biden Administration has also issued separate, subsequent TPS designations for Haiti and for Sudan, as detailed below.

Separate TPS designation for Haiti

In the summer of 2021, DHS issued a new, separate designation for Haiti TPS based on current conditions in the country; the designation is now extended through August 3, 2024. This new designation is distinct from the 2010 Haiti TPS designation that is the subject of the Ramos litigation. DHS strongly encourages eligible applicants to register under the new designation – including those currently holding Haiti TPS under the 2010 designation – as it could protect them from adverse court decisions in continued litigation related to the 2010 designation.

Separate TPS designation for Sudan

Also separately, DHS issued a new designation for Sudan TPS, effective from April 19, 2022 through October 19, 2023, based on current conditions in the country. As with Haiti, this new designation is distinct from the prior TPS designation that is the subject of the Ramos litigation. DHS strongly encourages eligible applicants to register under the new designation – including those currently holding Sudan TPS under the prior designation – as it could protect them from adverse court decisions in continued litigation related to the prior designation.

Future of TPS for the affected countries

The Ninth Circuit has agreed to a full panel rehearing of the Ramos case, which would revisit DHS’s termination of TPS designations for the affected countries. Advocacy groups are encouraging the Biden Administration to reconsider its TPS policy for these countries rather than engage in further litigation on the matter. In the meantime, eligible TPS beneficiaries and applicants for the affected countries may continue to benefit from TPS protection and related employment authorization through the designated periods.

 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.​

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Sports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Sports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.