Post by : Jyoti Gupta

The United States government has officially ended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals. This means Syrians living in the US under this program now face the risk of arrest and deportation if they do not leave the country within 60 days.

TPS is a special status given by the US to people from countries affected by war, natural disasters, or other dangerous situations. Under TPS, migrants are allowed to live and work in the US legally, even if they cannot return safely to their home countries. Syrians have been living in the US under TPS since 2012, following the civil war in their country.

A spokesperson from the US Department of Homeland Security said that conditions in Syria are no longer considered dangerous enough to prevent Syrians from returning. “Syria has been a hotspot of terrorism and extremism for nearly twenty years, and it is against our national interest to allow Syrians to remain in the US,” the spokesperson explained.

The government has given all  currently in the US 60 days to leave voluntarily. Those who do not begin the process to leave after this period could face arrest and deportation.

This move is part of US President Donald Trump’s broader plan to remove legal protections for certain migrant groups. Over the years, the administration has ended temporary status for thousands of people from various countries, arguing that many no longer require protection.

While the US government insists that this action is legal and justified, the decision has drawn criticism from Democrats, migrant advocates, and human rights organizations. They warn that forcing Syrians to return home could put them in dangerous conditions, as Syria is still facing political instability, violence, and ongoing conflicts. Many also highlight that Syrian migrants contribute significantly to the US economy and workforce, especially in sectors that rely heavily on migrant labor.

Experts say that the end of TPS could affect over 6,000 Syrians who have been living in the US for more than a decade. The process of leaving the US is often complex, requiring paperwork, travel arrangements, and sometimes legal assistance. Many Syrian families may struggle to comply with the 60-day timeline.

Humanitarian groups are now calling on the US government to reconsider the decision, arguing that it could lead to unnecessary human suffering. They are urging that more time should be given for Syrians to make safe arrangements or for the US to explore other protective options.

This announcement also reflects a growing trend in the US to limit temporary immigration protections, which has implications for thousands of other migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Haiti, and Honduras. Legal experts say that similar decisions could be expected for other groups currently under TPS in the coming months.

For the Syrians affected, this is a critical moment. They must decide quickly whether to leave voluntarily, apply for other legal protections, or risk deportation. Families, students, and workers are all facing uncertainty about their future in the US.