April 15, 2026

Navigating the 2026 Shift: A Vital Update on TPS and Humanitarian Parole

By Wendy R. Barlow, Esq. | Partner at Cohen, Tucker + Ades Specializing in Complex Immigration Matters

The landscape of U.S. immigration is currently undergoing significant transformations, with many established programs facing terminations, legal stays, and shifting work authorization guidelines. For those relying on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Humanitarian Parole, staying informed is no longer just helpful—it’s critical for maintaining legal status and employment eligibility.

At Cohen, Tucker + Ades, we are committed to providing clarity amidst these complex regulatory changes. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the latest status updates and what they mean for you and your family.

Major Humanitarian Parole Program Updates

Several parole programs have seen drastic changes due to recent executive orders and court rulings:

CHNV Parole (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela): This program was officially terminated following a Supreme Court decision on May 30, 2025. Beneficiaries may face deportation proceedings unless an alternative legal status is secured.
Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): New applications (Form I-134A) are currently paused pending review under the “Securing Our Borders” Executive Order from January 2025. Existing beneficiaries retain their status and can seek re-parole.
Afghan Parole Programs: These have been essentially suspended for individuals from 19 travel-ban countries as of late 2025.
Family Reunification Parole (FRP): While initially terminated, a Federal District Court stayed the termination in January 2026. Beneficiaries from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras should monitor this ongoing litigation closely.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) & Work Authorization (EAD)

The status of TPS for many countries is currently in a state of “Terminated but Restored” due to ongoing litigation. In many cases, judges have vacated or stayed termination decisions, allowing beneficiaries to maintain status temporarily.

Programs with Extended Work Authorization

Country	Current Status	EAD Validity / Notes
Burma	Restored via Litigation	Input “as per court order” on Form I-9; use March 15, 2026, as the expiration date.
Ethiopia	Restored via Litigation	Use April 8, 2026, as the expiration date for Form I-9 purposes.
Haiti	Restored via Litigation	Supreme Court oral arguments are set for late April 2026. Current I-9 guidance suggests using March 27, 2026.
Somalia	Restored via Litigation	EADs are extended per court order. Use March 31, 2026, for Form I-9.
South Sudan	Restored via Litigation	Use April 10, 2026, for Form I-9 verification.
Syria	Extended	Court blocked termination; use March 13, 2026, for Form I-9.

Programs Facing Imminent Termination

Yemen: TPS is set to terminate on May 4, 2026. EADs have been automatically extended until that date.
Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua: As of February 9, 2026, the Ninth Circuit stayed previous orders, lowing termination to proceed for these countries.

Important Note for Employers and Employees

USCIS Update (March 13, 2026): Automatic extensions for TPS-based EADs have been modified by H.R. 1. If a renewal was pending or filed between July 22 and October 30, 2025, the extension is limited to one year or the TPS duration, whichever is shorter. For receipts dated July 21, 2025, or earlier, the 540-day extension remains valid only until July 22, 2025, after which the one-year cap applies.

How We Can Help

The intersection of executive orders and federal court rulings makes immigration status incredibly fluid. If your status is affected by these updates, or if you are unsure how to proceed with your work authorization, contact Cohen, Tucker + Ades today. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate these changes and protect your future in the United States.

About the Author

Wendy R. Barlow, Esq.is a Partner at Cohen, Tucker + Ades, P.C. with nearly 20 years of experience in high-stakes immigration litigation. A graduate of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, Wendy is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey as well as before the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple Federal Circuit Courts. Wendy is recognized for her ability to handle cases that many consider insurmountable.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. Immigration laws and fee schedules are subject to frequent change. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this post without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this post.

Sources:

AILA, Practice Alert: TPS and Parole Status Updates Chart

Doe v. Noem

Federal Register, Termination of Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombians, Cubans, Ecuadorians, Guatemalans, Haitians, Hondurans, and Salvadorans

Aung DOE et al. v. Noem et al., No.25-cv-15483 (N.D. Ill.)

Federal Register, Termination of the Designation of Burma (Myanmar) for Temporary Protected Status

White House, Securing Our Borders

USCIS, Policy Alert: Impact of INA 212(f) on USCIS’ Adjudication of Discretionary Benefits

USCIS, Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Afghanistan

Federal Register, Termination of the Designation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status

African CommunitiesTogether et al. v. Noem et al.,No. 26-cv-10278-BEM (D.Mass.)

Federal Register, Termination of the Designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status