U.S. Immigration Updates
In early January 2026, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) released a Practice Alert and accompanying status chart detailing the current landscape of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Humanitarian Parole programs as they stand following key court rulings and policy changes. This summary provides practitioners, employers, and affected individuals with an up-to-date reference on the status of these crucial immigration protections.
Key Humanitarian Parole Program Critical Updates
1. CHNV Parole Terminated
-
The parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) has been formally terminated.
-
This termination follows a U.S. Supreme Court authorization allowing the government to end the program on May 30, 2025.
-
Affected individuals may now face deportation proceedings unless they secure an alternative lawful status.
2. Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Parole Still Active
-
The U4U parole program, established under a January 20, 2025 Executive Order, remains active.
-
However, USCIS has paused acceptance of new Form I-134A Support Declarations pending further internal review.
-
Existing beneficiaries retain status, but future changes remain possible.
3. Afghan Parole Programs Suspended
-
Afghan parole programs are listed as suspended with no new adjudications reported.
-
A USCIS Policy Alert (Nov. 27, 2025) also noted that adjudication of many discretionary benefits for individuals from travel-ban countries, including Afghans, has been paused.
4. Military Parole in Place Still Active
-
Military Parole in Place (PIP) continues to operate normally and provides relief for eligible family members of U.S. military personnel, with no changes noted in the status chart.
TPS Program Status & Key Employment Authorization Notes
The TPS section of the chart tracks termination, extension, litigation, and auto-extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for multiple designated countries.
Terminated TPS Designations
-
Afghanistan — Benefits officially terminated; protections effective through July 14, 2025.
-
Burma (Myanmar) — DHS terminated the designation, with benefits ending 60 days after Nov. 25, 2025; EADs are auto-extended through January 26, 2026.
-
Cameroon — TPS terminated; protections valid through August 4, 2025.
-
Ethiopia — Termination effective Dec. 15, 2025; EADs are auto-extended through February 13, 2026.
-
Haiti — TPS is terminated with a February 3, 2026 expiration; prior court orders reinstated validity through that date.
Extended / Active TPS Programs
-
El Salvador — TPS remains valid through September 9, 2026, with EADs auto-extended through March 9, 2026.
-
Lebanon — Active with designation through May 27, 2026; EADs effective through that date.
-
Somalia — Continues under designation through March 17, 2026 with auto-extended EADs.
-
Sudan — Extended designation through October 19, 2026, and EADs auto-extended through April 19, 2026.
-
Syria — TPS termination was blocked by federal court order (Nov. 19, 2025). USCIS updated its guidance to reflect extended EAD validity under court orders, though litigation continues.
-
Ukraine — TPS remains designated through October 19, 2026 with EADs auto-extended through April 19, 2026.
-
Yemen — Active with designation through March 3, 2026; EADs auto-extended through September 3, 2025.
TPS Under Litigation
-
Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua — These countries’ TPS terminations have been affected by litigation, including court orders vacating termination decisions and orders extending EAD validity for specific beneficiaries. The outcomes remain subject to ongoing appeals and further rulings.
What This Means for Attorneys and Clients
For Individuals
-
Clients with terminated or suspended TPS/parole status should urgently evaluate options for alternative legal protection, including adjustment of status, asylum, or other humanitarian relief.
-
Working with employers and compliance specialists is crucial when EAD validity depends on auto-extensions or litigation outcomes.
For Employers
-
Employers must closely monitor EAD expiration dates and verify work authorization status during periods of auto-extension or litigation-driven changes.
-
SAVE and E-Verify procedures may be impacted by ongoing litigation and shifting USCIS guidance.
For Practitioners
-
Stay updated on case law, especially federal court orders affecting TPS terminations and parole program statuses.
-
Counsel clients proactively on the uncertainty inherent in litigation-driven TPS outcomes.
-
Regularly check USCIS and Federal Register notices for new designations, re-registrations, and EAD policy updates.
The AILA TPS and Parole Status Updates Chart reflects how litigation, executive actions, and agency policy shifts are reshaping humanitarian protections in U.S. immigration law. TPS terminations, parole program suspensions, and litigation-driven extensions are key developments attorneys must monitor in 2025 and 2026 to protect clients’ legal status and employment authorization.
Stay Compliant with the Latest U.S. Immigration Updates
Recent immigration changes now impact non-citizen travel, visa issuance, biometric screening, premium processing fees, and asylum, TPS, and parole cases. If you or a loved one may be affected by these developments—or are experiencing delays, additional screening, or changing eligibility—experienced legal guidance is essential.
📞 Contact the Law Firm of Anna Korneeva today at (513) 334-3008 to review your options, confirm compliance, and protect your immigration status.
