APTrump administration to end deportation relief for 500,000 Haitians (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)
The Trump administration has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 500,000 Haitians living in the United States, marking a significant escalation in its efforts to restrict immigration and increase deportations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the TPS program for Haitians will officially expire on August 3, 2025, with deportations set to begin as early as September 2, 2025.What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?TPS is a humanitarian program established by Congress in 1990. It allows nationals from countries suffering from armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis. The status is periodically reviewed and can be extended, expanded, or terminated by the Secretary of Homeland Security.Haiti was first designated for TPS in 2010 after a devastating earthquake killed over 200,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless鈥攎ore than 10% of the country鈥檚 population. The designation has been repeatedly renewed due to ongoing instability, natural disasters, and, more recently, surging gang violence and political turmoil.The administration鈥檚 rationaleHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the decision to end TPS for Haitians was based on an assessment that “the environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home”. A DHS spokesperson added, 鈥淭his decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary鈥.However, the U.S. State Department has not changed its travel advisory for Haiti, continuing to warn Americans against travel to the country due to 鈥渒idnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care鈥. The International Organization for Migration reports that 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced by gang violence, with nearly 11% of the country鈥檚 population forced from their homes.The move follows a series of similar actions by the Trump administration, which has also sought to end TPS for Venezuelans, Afghans, and Cameroonians. In May, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to proceed with the termination of TPS for Venezuelans and to rescind a separate status known as parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.Live EventsDuring his campaign and current term, President Trump has made mass deportations and the rollback of humanitarian protections central to his immigration policy. He has argued that TPS and similar programs have been misused and extended beyond their original intent.Impact on Haitian TPS holdersPopulation Affected: About 500,000 Haitians, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for over a decade, are now at risk of deportation.Legal and Economic Uncertainty: TPS holders will lose their legal right to work and reside in the U.S. as of September 2, unless they qualify for asylum or another form of legal status. It is unclear how many will be able to secure alternative protections.Community Concerns: Advocacy groups and some lawmakers have condemned the decision, citing ongoing violence and instability in Haiti. They argue that deporting such a large population could worsen the humanitarian crisis and place individuals at grave risk.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onTrump administrationSecurityimmigration policyTemporary Protected StatusTPS for HaitiansKristi Noemsupreme courtDepartment of Homeland Security
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onTrump administrationSecurityimmigration policyTemporary Protected StatusTPS for HaitiansKristi Noemsupreme courtDepartment of Homeland Security(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless
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