The US government has cut protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the country, putting them on track to be targeted for deportation this summer. The decision, signed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, revokes an 18-month extension granted by President Joe Biden’s administration last year.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program intended for individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to natural disasters or armed conflicts. Over 500,000 Haitians are eligible for the status. The decision effectively ends their deportation protections and leaves the future of TPS uncertain.
Critics argue that TPS has become a pathway to indefinite stay in the US, rather than serving its intended purpose. President Donald Trump had signaled his intention to revoke Haitian TPS, which was first extended in 2010 after an earthquake hit Haiti.
Advocates are challenging the decision in federal court, citing concerns about the consequences for Haitians who have lived and worked in the US for years. One lawyer described TPS as a “crucial lifeline” for the Haitian community, allowing them to live and work during a time of significant instability in their home country.
The move has sparked outrage among Haitian Americans, who fear they will be forced to leave the US or face uncertainty about their future. As one advocate noted, the decision effectively says “we’re not wanted” in the country they have called home for years.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/us/politics/haitians-temporary-protected-status.html