On February 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem partially, overturned a July 1, 2024, decision to extend and redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”), which had been made under the Biden administration. The new policy reduces the TPS extension from 18 months to 12 months, with a new expiration date set for August 3, 2025.
TPS for Haiti was originally granted following a devastating earthquake 15 years ago, allowing migrants to stay in the U.S. even if they had entered illegally. The number of Haitians eligible for TPS dramatically increased under the Biden administration, reaching over 500,000 by mid-2024. However, the Trump administration has criticized the extended TPS designations, arguing that they were unnecessary and have been taken advantage of by illegal immigrants.
This move, along with the recent recision of TPS for Venezuela, is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to limit legal immigration pathways. The policy change is likely to face legal challenges, but proponents, including Vice President JD Vance, argue that the U.S. must focus on securing its borders and prioritizing the interests of American citizens.
References:
Madani, Doha. “Trump administration ends extension of Haiti’s temporary protected status” NBC News. February 21, 2025.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Haiti. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Willis, Haisten. “Trump administration abandons Biden-era TPS extensions for Haitian migrants” Washington Examiner. February 21, 2025.
