Trump Administration Ends TPS for 500,000 Haitians Effective September 2; Federal Judge Blocks Early Termination, Restores February 2026 Deadline

The Trump administration announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 500,000 Haitian nationals, effective September 2, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, cited improved conditions in Haiti as justification for ending the deportation protections and revoking work permits for these migrants, many of whom entered the United States under the Biden administration. This move exposes the affected Haitian community to potential deportation despite ongoing warnings from the U.S. State Department about persistent gang violence and instability in Haiti.

The decision has faced legal challenges, with a New York federal judge, Brian M. Cogan, ruling that accelerating the expiration of TPS by at least five months is unlawful. The court restored the original February 2026 deadline for TPS expiration, effectively blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to end protections early. The ruling has been welcomed by local officials in Miami-Dade, highlighting concerns over the impact on the Haitian community, some of whom have resided in the U.S. for over a decade.