“This is my home.”

For decades, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program has allowed people from countries facing conflict, natural disasters, or other dangerous conditions to live and work in the United States. For hundreds of thousands of people, the program has meant the difference between living in fear and building stable lives. Today, people with TPS are vital members of communities across the country.  

But right now, the Trump administration is trying to terminate TPS for multiple countries. That would put many longtime residents at risk of losing everything they’ve built over decades. 

Here are the stories of four TPS holders—from El Salvador, Honduras, Myanmar, and Ukraine. They describe what TPS has meant to them, what they stand to lose, and why we must all keep pushing for permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for all immigrants. 

Daniel, Honduras 

Daniel never imagined leaving his native Honduras. But after losing his job as a public accountant due to political turnover, he felt like he had no other options to build a future for himself. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1995. Obtaining TPS transformed his life, allowing him to work with dignity and build a career. He gave back to his community in return through constant volunteer work. Today, Daniel is now 55 and close to retirement. But with the Trump administration attempting to end TPS for Honduras, Daniel could lose everything he has worked for.  

“I have now lived in the United States for over 30 years—longer than I ever lived in Honduras. This is my home. I love this country deeply because it gave me peace, opportunity, and community.” Read more from Daniel.  

Wyne*, Myanmar  

Wyne first came to the U.S. from Myanmar to pursue higher education on a scholarship. After she arrived, the situation in her home country deteriorated drastically. She applied for TPS. The program gave her stability and eased the emotional burden on her family back home. But today, the Trump administration's termination of TPS for Myanmar has left Wyne in limbo.   

“TPS holders are not statistics,” Wyne says. “We are students, workers, caregivers, and lawful community members who contribute to society. TPS does not give us luxury; it offers safety and dignity. Ending TPS without realistic alternatives forces people back into fear and limbo, not stability.” Read more from Wyne. 

Don Luis, El Salvador  

Don Luis fled civil war in El Salvador in 1995. For the past 30 years, he has lived in New Jersey with TPS. That has allowed him to obtain a work permit, start a business, and earn enough money to support his family. But he constantly fears that TPS will be taken away. With support from AFSC, Don Luis has been organizing for years with fellow TPS holders to defend their right to stay in the U.S. where they belong.   

“I’ve worked hard to inform the TPS community and all those I've known for years who don't have any status,” Don Luis says. “You grow stronger every time you help someone. You feel good knowing that you’ve put something into each person’s life so they can try to defend their rights.” Read more from Don Luis.  

Anna, Ukraine 

Anna came to the U.S. from Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion. She left behind a vibrant life in Odesa where she'd built successful businesses and was part of the arts community. In the U.S., she spent months in limbo while trying to obtain work authorization. She used that time to rebuild her life—studying at California's public libraries, becoming a certified nursing assistant, and teaching herself finance. Getting TPS was “a big relief.” Now, Anna is working as a data research analyst and training to become a financial advisor while supporting her family in Ukraine. 

“Life in America requires a kind of constant strength,” Anna says. “You can feel pain, but you still have to move forward. I’ve realized that my journey is no longer just about surviving—it is about thriving and flourishing, both for myself and for the memory of those I have lost." Read more from Anna. 

* "Wyne" is a pseudonym.