Policy Update: 2/17/26

Sasha@iaje.us

TPS Terminations for Nepal, Nicaragua, and Honduras

What’s happening:

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a summary stay allowing the Trump administration to move forward, at least temporarily, with the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for individuals from Nepal, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The ruling pauses a lower court decision in National TPS Alliance v. Noem (NTPSA II) that had found the terminations unlawful.Important Details:The stay followed an emergency request from the administration.More than 60,000 TPS holders from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua are affected.The underlying litigation remains ongoing.References:National TPS Alliance Press Release 

TPS Termination for Yemen

What’s happening:The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The announcement was made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Important Details:

• Yemen was first designated for TPS on September 3, 2015, due to ongoing armed conflict and threats to personal safety.

• DHS had extended or redesignated TPS for Yemen multiple times between 2017 and 2024.

• DHS determined that Yemen no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation.

• Beneficiaries without another lawful immigration status have 60 days to depart the United States.

• DHS encouraged voluntary departure using the CBP Home app, which the agency states includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $2,600 exit bonus, and potential future immigration opportunities.

• After the effective termination date, individuals without lawful status may be subject to arrest and removal.

References:

• DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Yemen 

Withdrawal of Federalized National Guard Troops

What’s happening:The Trump administration has withdrawn all federalized National Guard troops from U.S. cities following judicial challenges to deployments in several Democratic-led states.

Important Details:

• The withdrawals reportedly occurred without formal press briefings, aside from a social media post from Donald Trump.

• The White House has indicated the possibility of redeployment if crime rates increase.

• Legal challenges played a significant role in limiting sustained federalized deployments.

References:

• National Guard troops were quietly withdrawn from some U.S. cities 

Third-Country Deportations to Cameroon

What’s happening:The administration has reportedly begun deporting certain individuals to Cameroon as part of third-country removal efforts.

Important Details:

• These removals involve deportations to countries other than the individual’s country of origin.

• The policy raises legal and humanitarian concerns regarding safety, due process, and international obligations.

References:

• U.S. Deports Nine Migrants in Secret, Ignoring Legal Protections 

Anti-Sanctuary Legislation – Advocacy Alert

What’s happening:New or renewed legislative efforts targeting sanctuary jurisdictions are advancing at both federal and state levels.

Important Details:

• Proposals may seek to penalize local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

• Measures could include funding restrictions, preemption of local policies, or expanded state-level enforcement authority.

• Prepare for rapid response, coalition-building, and public education efforts.

Action Items:

• Monitor bill introductions and committee hearings.

• Engage local stakeholders and legal partners.

• Prepare messaging and impact analysis.