As Federal Courts Block Trump Administration’s TPS Terminations for Syria, Burma, Ethiopia, and South Sudan — Work Permits Remain Valid

The Department of Homeland Security updated the e-verification system, giving guidance for immigrants from Syria, Burma, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

Due to a decision by federal courts blocking the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria, Burma, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, allowing tens of thousands of immigrants from these countries to keep working legally in the United States for now.

The Department of Homeland Security moved to end TPS for the four countries after Secretary Kristi Noem, following review and agency consultations, concluded they no longer met legal requirements for designation. In each case, a federal judge stayed the termination dates. DHS has expressed disagreement with these rulings and is determining next steps with the Department of Justice.

The practical effect for the estimated 20,000 affected TPS holders is that their Employment Authorization Documents remain valid — but only under specific conditions set by USCIS, and only until the courts resolve the underlying legal disputes. Employers with TPS workers from any of these four countries must update their Form I-9 records accordingly.

The Trump administration announced the end of Syria’s TPS on September 19, 2025, citing improved security conditions and national interests.

Two days before the termination deadline, U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla (S.D.N.Y.) stayed the order in Dahlia Doe v. Noem, No. 25-cv-8686. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to show that the administration’s decision violated federal administrative law.

DHS opposed the stay and, in March 2026, escalated the case to the Supreme Court.

What this means for employers: Employment Authorization Documents issued under the Syria TPS designation with original expiration dates of September 30, 2025; March 31, 2024; September 30, 2022; or March 31, 2021 are extended per court order. When completing Form I-9, employers should enter “as per court order” in Section 1. In Section 2, enter the new expiration date, March 13, 2026, and add a note in the additional information box.

DHS announced on November 24, 2025, that it would terminate TPS for Burma (Myanmar), effective January 26, 2026. Secretary Noem stated that the country had made “notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements, and improved local governance.” She added that continuing the designation was “contrary to the national interest.” The termination affected approximately 3,670 individuals.

Three days before termination, an Illinois federal judge stayed the order in a case against DHS. DHS strongly disagreed, citing previous Supreme Court wins in similar cases.

What this means for employers: For EADs issued under the Burma TPS designation with original expiration dates of November 25, 2025, May 25, 2024, or November 25, 2022, employers must note that these EADs are extended per court order. In Section 1, enter “as per court order.” In Section 2, use March 15, 2026, as the expiration date. Add a note in the additional information box.

The administration announced on November 5, 2025, that TPS for South Sudan would end on January 5, 2026, after Secretary Noem found that South Sudan no longer met statutory TPS criteria.

On December 30, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts stayed the termination in African Communities Together v. Noem, allowing protections to remain while the case proceeds.

What this means for employers: For EADs issued under the South Sudan TPS designation with original expiration dates of November 3, 2023; May 3, 2025; or November 3, 2025, update Section 1 by entering “as per court order.” In Section 2, record April 10, 2026, as the expiration date. Add a note referencing the court order in the additional information box.

On December 12, 2025, DHS announced that TPS for Ethiopia would end on February 13, 2026, citing improved conditions and a desire to restore the integrity of the immigration system. About 5,000 Ethiopian nationals are currently held under TPS.

On January 30, 2026, a Massachusetts judge stayed the termination of TPS for Ethiopia. DHS reiterated its disagreement.

What this means for employers: For EADs issued under the Ethiopia TPS designation with expiration dates of June 12, 2024, or December 12, 2025, enter “as per court order” in Section 1. In Section 2, enter April 8, 2026, as the new expiration date. Add a note about the extension in the additional information box.

USCIS has urged TPS holders and their employers to closely monitor official agency websites, as the legal situation continues to change rapidly. The extended EAD dates listed above reflect the current court orders and are subject to modification if appellate or Supreme Court decisions alter the status of any of these programs.

For Form I-9 compliance, employers should download USCIS alert pages about Syria, Burma, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Print these and attach them to Form I-9 to support extended EADs. For E-Verify cases, always enter the current court-ordered expiration dates as listed above. Regularly monitor for further updates.

TPS holders who wish to receive automatic updates on changes to Form I-9 and E-Verify requirements for their country’s designation may subscribe through the GovDelivery notification system on the USCIS website.

Legal advocates and immigration attorneys have urged affected workers not to assume their status is secure. The administration continues to contest each court order and has demonstrated a willingness to seek emergency relief from higher courts, including the Supreme Court, to allow terminations to proceed. TPS holders are advised to consult an immigration attorney to explore alternative options for maintaining lawful status if the court orders are lifted.