April 27, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension for Haitian nationals. This decision, made by Secretary of Homeland Security Noem, marks a return to the immigration policies promoted by the Trump administration. As a result, Haiti’s TPS designation will end on August 3, 2025, unless a new extension is granted. According to U.S. authorities, the move aims to address what they describe as a system that has been “exploited and abused” for years.
TPS, which allows nationals of certain countries to temporarily reside in the United States due to extraordinary conditions in their home country, was initially granted to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. However, according to DHS, successive extensions of the program have contributed to a sharp rise in the number of Haitians benefiting from this protection. Official estimates indicate that the number of potential beneficiaries increased from 57,000 in 2011 to 520,694 in 2024. This surge in numbers was a key argument in justifying the program’s termination.
The Biden administration had extended TPS for Haiti by 18 months, but this extension was later rescinded by the new administration. A DHS spokesperson stated, “Biden and Mayorkas attempted to obstruct the Trump administration by extending Haiti’s TPS for 18 months—far longer than necessary or justified.” This statement reflects the current government’s intent to curb immigration and limit temporary protections, which they argue should not become permanent.
Secretary Noem reaffirmed that this decision aligns with a stricter immigration policy. “President Trump and I are restoring TPS to its original purpose: temporary,” she declared. This approach is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration controls and reverse policies implemented by the previous administration. A similar cancellation recently affected Venezuela, whose TPS extension under Biden was also revoked.
With this announcement, thousands of Haitians living under TPS in the United States will need to explore other legal options to remain in the country. Some may seek regularization through alternative pathways, while others face the risk of deportation once the program expires in 2025. The decision has already sparked strong reactions from immigrant rights advocates, who condemn the move as harsh and disconnected from the realities faced by the Haitian diaspora.
