Department of Homeland Security to End Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Migrants in February

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Wednesday that it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 353,000 Haitian migrants living in the United States, with the status set to expire in February 2026.

TPS, which shields eligible migrants from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S. while conditions in their home country remain unsafe, was first granted to Haitians in 2010 following a devastating earthquake. Since then, the designation has been extended or redesignated by successive administrations.

In a federal register notice, DHS stated that after consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Kristi Noem concluded that Haiti no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS. The decision was based on a review by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, input from relevant government agencies, and an analysis indicating that allowing Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the U.S. is inconsistent with national interests.

The current TPS extension, granted by the Biden administration in 2024, is set to expire on Feb. 3, 2026. That extension cited multiple crises in Haiti, including economic, security, political, and health challenges exacerbated by gang activity and the absence of a functioning government.

Haiti has faced ongoing turmoil, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which led to a collapse of governance and increased violence, kidnappings, and gang control, particularly in the capital. The instability has displaced many residents and prompted U.S. Coast Guard interceptions of Haitian migrants attempting to reach the U.S. by boat.

DHS is advising Haitian migrants under TPS to prepare to depart the United States if they do not have another lawful basis to remain. The agency is offering a voluntary departure program that includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration.

Migrants can use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home mobile application to report their departure. DHS emphasized that this self-deportation process is secure and convenient.

The termination of TPS for Haitian migrants marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy toward this population amid ongoing challenges in Haiti.