Haiti TPS Is Ending: What Haitian Nationals Need to Know Now

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. According to the Federal Register notice published on November 28, 2025, Haiti’s TPS is ending at 11:59 p.m. on February 3, 2026. This announcement affects tens of thousands of Haitian nationals who have relied on TPS for work authorization and protection from deportation.

As the end date approaches, many families are facing uncertainty but there is still time to understand your options and take action.

Why TPS for Haiti Is Ending

TPS allows nationals of designated countries to remain in the U.S. temporarily when returning home would be dangerous due to conditions such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or political instability. Haiti was designated for TPS after the 2010 earthquake, then redesignated in 2021 following another major earthquake and escalating political violence.

Despite ongoing security concerns in Haiti, DHS has now concluded its review and determined that Haiti’s conditions no longer meet the legal criteria for TPS designation. As a result, on November 28, 2025, DHS published the official notice terminating the program.

When Will Haiti TPS End?

According to the Federal Register:

• TPS for Haiti will terminate on February 3, 2026.

  
  

• All protections and benefits including work authorization, remain valid until that date.

  
  

• After February 3, 2026, Haitian TPS holders will no longer be protected from deportation unless they have another lawful immigration status or pending application.

  
  

This timeline represents the standard DHS wind-down period that accompanies TPS terminations.

What This Means for Haitian TPS Holders

When TPS ends on February 3, 2026, the following will occur:

1. Work Authorization Will Expire

Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under TPS will no longer be valid after February 3, 2026. There will be no automatic extension beyond the termination date.

2. Loss of Protection From Deportation

Once TPS ends, Haitian nationals who do not have another lawful immigration status such as a pending asylum application or approved family petition may be placed in removal proceedings.

3. Re-verification by Employers

Employers will be required to re-verify the work eligibility of employees who relied on TPS-based EADs. This typically occurs immediately after the termination date.

4. USCIS Notices

Some TPS holders may receive notices or reminders from USCIS as the termination date approaches. It is essential to ensure USCIS has your correct mailing address.

The end of TPS does not automatically mean deportation, but it does mean that every affected individual must take steps now to understand their options.

Are There Legal Options for Haitian TPS Holders?

Many Haitian TPS holders have lived in the United States for more than a decade and may qualify for alternative immigration pathways. Depending on your situation, possible options may include:

Family-Based Immigration

• Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Petitions filed by adult U.S. citizen children

• Certain family petitions filed years ago that may now be eligible for action

Employment-Based Options

If you have an employer willing to sponsor you and you meet eligibility criteria, employment-based immigration may be an option.

Humanitarian Relief

• Asylum (if you fear harm in Haiti)

• U visa (victims of certain crimes)

• VAWA (for victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or green card spouse or parent)

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for eligible minors

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Adjustment of Status

Some TPS holders may qualify to adjust status based on:

• A qualifying family relationship

• Past travel on advance parole

• An old petition that can be reopened

  
  

Motions to Reopen Past Removal Orders

Individuals with old deportation orders may ask the immigration court to reopen their case under certain circumstances.

Because every case is different, the best next step is a personalized legal consultation.

What Haitian Nationals Should Do Now

1. Do Not Wait Until TPS Ends

The February 3, 2026 deadline is final. Begin reviewing your immigration options now.

2. Gather Important Documentation

You will need:

• Your TPS approval notices

• EADs

• Passport or identification

• Any prior immigration case documents

• Records of family ties, employment, or humanitarian circumstances

  
  

3. Consult an Immigration Attorney

An attorney can evaluate whether you qualify for:

• Adjustment of status

• Asylum or other humanitarian protections

• Family-based or employment-based pathways

• Motions to reopen old cases

  
  

4. Stay Updated

Ensure that USCIS has your current address and that you read all correspondence related to your status.

TPS ending is not the end of the road but action must be taken quickly and strategically.

We Are Here to Help

Our law firm is ready to assist Haitian nationals in navigating this transition and exploring all available options. We are committed to protecting your rights and providing guidance during this period of uncertainty. 

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at: 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131, Phone: 305-371-8846. The firm has served the community since 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctor at the University of Miami School of Law and her Master of Laws at the University of Washington School of Law.