DHS to terminate temporary protected status for Haitians

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the country of Haiti. The decision was made after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that the country no longer meets the requirements for TPS. 

The termination of TPS for Haitians in the United States has the effective date of February 3, 2026, according to a press release from DHS. "If you are an alien who is currently a beneficiary of TPS for Haiti, you should prepare to depart if you have no other lawful basis for remaining in the United States," the statement read. 

DHS suggests those in the US under TPS from Haiti, if they are legally required to go back to their country, use the CBP Home app to report their departure. "This secure and convenient self-deportation process includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration to the United States," DHS said in the statement. 

The move was announced on Wednesday and will apply to over 350,000 Haitians living in the US, many of which came to the country during the Biden administration. The former president radically increased the number of eligible countries as well as individuals eligible to come to the US with TPS protections. 

TPS allows for those in countries with an ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other conditions to relocate to the US for a time, and cannot be legally removed from the country. However TPS, as the name suggests, "Is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status," per USCIS. 

The Trump administration has moved to end TPS for a number of countries, including Somalia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and others during 2025.