U.S. Moves to End Temporary Protected Status for 352,959 Haitians; Designation to Expire Feb. 3

The Department of Homeland Security announced a renewed effort to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, saying the designation is scheduled to expire on Feb. 3 and that 352,959 beneficiaries would be affected.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision followed a departmental review and an earlier legal pause of the administration's initial attempt to end TPS for Haiti. While acknowledging the humanitarian and political challenges in Haiti, including what she described as "widespread gang violence," Secretary Noem said extending TPS would be contrary to U.S. national interests.

"Based on the Department's review, the Secretary has determined that while the current situation in Haiti is concerning, the United States must prioritize its national interests and permitting Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the U.S. national interest," the DHS notice said.

DHS officials said affected TPS holders were urged to pursue other legal avenues to remain in the United States; otherwise, they could become eligible for detention and removal once the designation ends. The department cited concerns about the agency's ability to adequately vet arrivals, and pointed to instances in which some Haitian TPS holders were implicated in immigration fraud or national-security investigations.

What TPS means and broader context

TPS is a humanitarian program created by Congress in 1990 that allows eligible nationals of designated countries to live and work in the United States without the threat of deportation for a limited period when their home countries suffer armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. The program is intended to be temporary.

The previous administration expanded TPS protections for people from several countries, and more recent administrations have both added and removed designations. Officials overseeing the current policy review have said they are moving to revoke or consider revoking TPS protections for multiple nationalities as part of a broader immigration policy shift.

What affected people should know

Individuals currently holding TPS for Haiti should seek immigration counsel promptly to explore options such as asylum (where applicable), family- or employment-based petitions, or other forms of relief. Legal advocates and immigrant-rights groups have said they will monitor the decision closely and are likely to challenge any termination in court.

This policy change is likely to have significant humanitarian and legal implications for hundreds of thousands of people with long-standing ties to communities in the United States. Observers say the outcome may be contested in the courts and could prompt further administrative reviews or legislative responses.