Beloved Duke bus driver among thousands of Hondurans losing temporary protected status

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A decision to revoke temporary protected status for thousands of protected workers from Honduras is set to expire in a matter of weeks, leaving many in limbo of potential deportation.

Luis Alonso Juarez has been in the U.S. since the 1990s, fleeing a dangerous situation in Honduras for better opportunities, and he has been working at Duke for many years. Now, with that decision affecting people on TPS from Honduras, that could all change.

Students and professors alike say seeing Juarez's smiling face on the bus makes their day.

"Without people like Luis, I would not feel how I do at Duke, I would not feel like a Duke student, I would feel like someone who is on Duke's campus," one student said.

Now, Juarez needs their help. Hundreds have signed on to a petition in support of Juarez, who is on TPS protected status from Honduras that ends Sept. 8.

Juarez, in tears, worried about what's next.

He said he has his house, his family, and his life here and just wants to be able to continue working.

Immigration attorneys say they're in a tough spot, but there are still options, such as finding a more permanent status, such as work sponsorship or a green card.

"Seek legal advice and seek some sort of help to see what they can potentially do to remain in the country," said immigration attorney Earl DeBrine.

And in some cases, employers can help workers obtain visas.

"And that's quite often an option that employers are unaware of because they think that employees have to do it themselves," DeBrine said.

But Juarez said that because he didn't know he could initially apply for asylum, he's worried his options may be limited.

ABC11 reached out to Duke for a comment on Juarez's situation.

"Mr. Juarez is beloved by many at Duke," a university spokesperson said. "Since we learned of the change to his immigration situation, Duke has provided him with significant support and resources. At this stage, the University has done all it can under the law."