The Trump administration has officially terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 520,000 Haitian nationals living in the United States, reversing an earlier extension granted under President Biden.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision on Thursday, confirming that Haiti’s TPS designation will expire on August 3, 2025, with removals beginning September 2. The move cuts short an 18-month extension signed under the previous administration, which would have kept protections in place through February 2026.
“This decision restores integrity to our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protected Status remains truly temporary,” said a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson.
What It Means
The announcement has sparked fear and uncertainty among Haitian immigrants, many of whom have lived in the U.S. legally for more than a decade. The policy change means hundreds of thousands of people could now face deportation to a country grappling with extreme violence, instability, and humanitarian crisis.
“I’m still in shock,” said Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition and a Haitian immigrant.
“It’s a lie to say Haiti is safe right now. This decision could send people to their deaths.”
Why TPS Was Granted in the First Place
TPS was initially granted to Haitians following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Over the years, extensions were justified not just by environmental disasters, but also by political unrest, collapsing infrastructure, and violent gang control.
The 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse plunged the nation into deeper chaos. Armed groups now control nearly 80% of Port-au-Prince, with daily reports of kidnappings, extortion, and gun battles. Meanwhile, food insecurity, poverty, and a failing health care system have displaced over a million people.
Despite these conditions, DHS claims the situation in Haiti has improved enough for people to return.
“Country conditions no longer support the continuation of TPS,” the agency said, citing reviews from USCIS and the State Department.
The Numbers
According to the Migration Policy Institute, the U.S. is home to between 700,000 and 1.15 million Haitian immigrants, including about 500,000 TPS holders. Many have American-born children and have spent years building lives in the U.S.—buying homes, starting businesses, and working in key industries.
What Happens Next?
Once TPS expires, Haitian nationals without another legal status could be subject to removal. DHS says resources will be provided to assist with return flights and lawful immigration options “if eligible.”
“We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department’s resources in returning to Haiti,” said a DHS spokesperson. “Support is available through the CBP Home app.”
Pushback Continues
Advocates warn the termination of TPS for Haitians could lead to widespread family separations and place thousands in danger.
“There are still areas of Haiti that haven’t recovered from the earthquake,” said Petit. “This is not just wrong—it’s dangerous. We have to find a way to stop this.”
The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader rollback of Biden-era immigration protections, and comes as new enforcement agreements are also being signed with countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica to facilitate deportations.
