What TPS Holders from Africa and the Caribbean Need to Know in 2025 — And What the CHNV Parole Program Means for You

TPS emerged from the necessity for a clearer and more consistent method to safeguard individuals unable to safely return to their home nations.

Prior to TPS, the U.S. employed a discretionary policy known as Extended Voluntary Departure (EVD). Although EVD provided protection to nationals from countries in crisis, it lacked formal criteria and was frequently politically inconsistent.

A Brief History of TPS: Key Milestones

In 1990, Congress enacted the Immigration Act, which introduced Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This provided the U.S. government with a systematic approach to safeguard individuals already in the country whose return would endanger them due to conflicts, environmental catastrophes, or other extraordinary circumstances.

Grasping the development of TPS is crucial to understanding its current status. Here are some key milestones:

1990 – TPS is officially established by Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990.
1990s–2000s – TPS is granted to nations such as El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Liberia, and others experiencing civil unrest or natural disasters.
2017–2019 – The Trump administration attempts to end TPS for several countries, including Haiti, citing improved conditions.
2021 – The U.S. Supreme Court decides in Sanchez v. Mayorkas that TPS does not automatically qualify a person for a green card if they entered the U.S. unlawfully.
2023–2025 – TPS is extended through June 7, 2025 for Cameroon and extended through August 3, 2025 for Haiti.

Who Benefits from TPS?

TPS offers protection to thousands from African and Caribbean countries, providing relief from deportation and the legal right to work in the U.S.

Haiti is among the largest groups of TPS recipients, with about 59,000 Haitians currently benefiting from this status. In 2025, Haiti’s TPS designation was reduced to just 12 months, now set to expire on August 3, 2025. Many advocacy groups are worried, as Haiti continues to face instability and danger due to ongoing violence, political turmoil, and humanitarian crises.

Cameroon’s TPS status was extended until June 7, 2025, and redesignated to include more recent arrivals, reflecting the ongoing armed conflict in the country. Over 2,000 Cameroonians have already obtained TPS, with nearly 8,000 more newly eligible due to the 2023 policy update.

Other countries from the region once had TPS status, including:

Liberia, which received TPS due to civil war and later Ebola. Although TPS for Liberia ended, many Liberians may qualify for permanent residency under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) Act.
Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Burundi, which previously held TPS due to war or health emergencies, no longer have active designations.
Montserrat, a British Caribbean territory, was designated for TPS after volcanic eruptions in 1997, but its status ended in 2005.

Although TPS has ended for some of these nations, former TPS holders may have transitioned to other forms of relief—or may still have options available today.

What’s the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program?

In 2023, the U.S. government launched a new humanitarian parole program specifically for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). This program was created to offer a safe, orderly, and legal pathway into the U.S. for those seeking temporary protection, instead of compelling individuals to undertake perilous journeys to the southern border.

To be eligible, individuals must:

Be outside the U.S.
Have a U.S.-based sponsor who can provide financial support.
Pass background and security checks.
Enter the U.S. via air travel (not through the land border).

If approved, CHNV beneficiaries receive parole for up to two years, along with work authorization. This pathway has already enabled thousands of Haitians and others to legally enter the U.S.

As of 2025, the CHNV program remains active, although it is being closely monitored by the courts and may change due to political or legal challenges.

How TPS and CHNV Compare

Both TPS and CHNV are humanitarian programs, but they serve different populations.

TPS is designed for people who are already in the U.S. and need legal protection because it is unsafe to return to their country.
CHNV parole is for those still outside the U.S. who are seeking legal entry for humanitarian reasons.

Neither program provides a direct path to citizenship or a green card, but both can act as a critical stepping stone—and each opens doors to work authorization and protection from deportation.

Can TPS or CHNV Lead to a Green Card?

While neither program guarantees permanent residency, some recipients may qualify for other immigration benefits.

Asylum: If you fear persecution in your home country based on political views, race, religion, or other protected grounds, you may be eligible to apply for asylum, even if you are here under TPS or CHNV.
Family or Employment-Based Green Cards: If you are married to a U.S. citizen or have other eligible family relationships, you might be able to apply for a green card. Employment sponsorship could also be an option for some individuals.

However, it is crucial to understand that not everyone will qualify. For example, the 2021 Supreme Court decision in Sanchez v. Mayorkas clarified that individuals who entered the U.S. unlawfully cannot adjust to permanent residency through TPS alone.

If you or a loved one is currently on TPS and considering transitioning to another legal status, don’t navigate the process alone. Our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today at contact@mayslawyer.com to schedule a consultation and explore your options.

Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only and does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. This post should not be taken as legal advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to an attorney for legal advice.

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