On Thursday, February 20th, The Trump administration officially ended the Biden-era extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, a decision that could result in the deportation of over 520,000 Haitians currently in the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision, nullifying the 18-month extension granted in June 2024. Under this new directive, Haiti’s TPS designation will expire on August 3rd, 2025, unless further action is taken.
“President Trump and I are returning TPS to its original status: temporary,” Noem stated.
TPS provides deportation relief and work permits to individuals from countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extreme conditions. Haiti first received TPS designation in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake, with renewals granted due to ongoing instability.
“Biden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary,” a DHS spokesperson said. “We are returning integrity to the TPS system.”
The decision is expected to be challenged in court. Immigration advocates argue that DHS lacks the authority to revoke a previously granted TPS extension. A similar move affecting Venezuelan TPS is already facing legal action. Last month, Noem also rescinded the TPS extension for Venezuelan nationals, part of a broader effort to roll back Biden-era immigration policies.
Under the new policy, thousands of Haitians who were previously protected now face uncertainty unless legal challenges succeed in changing the administration’s decision.
