WASHINGTON, D.C. — New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has issued an urgent appeal to outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, requesting an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans living in the United States before the Biden administration leaves office.
In a letter dated January 17, 2025, Rep. Sherrill expressed concern over the precarious situation facing Honduran nationals currently residing in the U.S. under TPS, a program that provides temporary legal status to individuals from countries facing extraordinary conditions such as armed conflict or environmental disaster. The current TPS designation for Honduras is set to expire on March 9, 2025.
“While I understand that time is limited, I write with an urgent request to extend the Temporary Protected Status designation for Honduras before you leave office,” Sherrill wrote, highlighting the program’s importance to Honduran communities, including many in New Jersey.
Acknowledging progress in Central America, Sherrill noted that the political and social improvements have not extended equally to Honduras. She also raised concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s previously expressed opposition to TPS, urging Secretary Mayorkas to provide “as much assurance as possible” to Hondurans currently relying on the program before the Trump administration takes over.
Sherrill emphasized the life-saving nature of TPS, calling on Mayorkas to extend the designation for the maximum duration allowed under law. “I stand ready to defend that action in the House of Representatives,” she added, expressing confidence in bipartisan support for TPS extension.
The letter underscores the uncertain future of TPS programs as the new administration prepares to take office and signals Sherrill’s continued advocacy for immigrant communities in her state and across the country.