U.S. Ends Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Amidst Deepening Crisis
WASHINGTON D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced wednesday it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals,impacting at least 350,000 individuals,with the protection ending February 2026.The decision comes despite a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and political situation in Haiti, raising concerns about the potential for a notable influx of returnees to a country struggling with widespread violence, a collapsing healthcare system, and limited access to basic necessities.
TPS, which allows foreign nationals to remain in the U.S.and work legally, had been repeatedly extended for Haitians following the 2010 earthquake. The Biden administration had previously extended the designation, but DHS now argues that conditions in Haiti no longer warrant the temporary protection, asserting that the continued presence of Haitians in the U.S. “misaligns” with the goal of a “secure, sovereign and self-sufficient Haiti.”
The move follows months of legal challenges. In mid-2025,a federal judge blocked a previous attempt by the Trump Administration to end TPS for Haitians,finding that the administration had not followed proper legal procedures.DHS maintains its current review meets the necessary criteria.
Though, the decision is being widely criticized by humanitarian organizations and Haitian-American advocates. “If Haiti does not deserve TPS, what country deserves it?” questioned Guerline Jozef, co-founder of Haitian Bridge Alliance, in a statement to the miami Herald.”Washington knows perfectly well that the situation has not improved; on the contrary, it has gotten worse.”
Reports from organizations like Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières highlight a dire situation in Haiti, with two out of five Haitians needing urgent medical attention. The collapse of the health system and lack of clean water are increasing the risk of epidemics, notably among children and pregnant women.
Politically, Haiti remains unstable, having not held elections since 2016, and its state structure is described as “practically disintegrated.” A UN-approved 5,500-strong Gang Suppression Force, intended to address escalating gang violence, has yet to be deployed. Criminal gangs have reportedly expanded their activities despite the planned intervention.
DHS stated in its announcement that TPS beneficiaries should ”prepare to leave the country if you have no other legal basis to remain.” The decision is expected to face legal challenges.
