The administration of United States President, Donald Trump on Thursday revoked an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, marking the latest effort by the president to roll back immigration relief for individuals from countries experiencing political crises and natural disasters.
Former President Joe Biden had, in June 2024, extended TPS for Haitians until February 2026, citing humanitarian concerns.
However, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday that it was rescinding the extension, with protections now set to expire on 3 August 2025.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterised the Biden administration’s move as an attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s authority.
“President Trump and I are returning TPS to its original status: temporary,” Noem said in the statement.
Biden’s extension applied to Haitians who had arrived in the U.S. on or before 3 June 2024, as the country faced a surge in gang violence that led to the ousting and resignation of its former president.
The U.S. had previously granted TPS to Haitians who arrived before the devastating 2010 earthquake and continued renewing it, most recently in 2022, before Biden’s latest extension.
What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was established by the United States Congress in 1990. It is a humanitarian designation granted by the U.S. government to eligible nationals from specific countries, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
This status is typically provided to individuals already present in the United States whose home countries are facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other temporary and extraordinary conditions that make their safe return impossible. TPS allows recipients to reside in the U.S. and, in some cases, obtain work authorisation for a limited period.
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Impact of Trump’s Removal of TPS
The Trump administration’s decision to end TPS for Haitians, affecting around 500,000 individuals, has sparked widespread criticism.
The administration argues that the TPS programme has been “exploited” over the years, with claims that extensions have allowed more individuals to qualify for legal status, even those who entered the U.S. illegally.
Critics, however, highlight the dire conditions in Haiti, where gang violence and political instability have left many unable to return safely.
The termination of TPS means that affected individuals will lose their work permits in the United States and could face deportation as soon as their status expires. This has raised fears among TPS holders about returning to a country still grappling with severe challenges, including widespread violence and homelessness.
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