In a significant immigration policy shift, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, effective February 3, 2026. The decision, published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2025, will impact approximately 352,959 Haitian beneficiaries who must now either secure alternative legal immigration status or prepare for departure from the United States.
This move follows extensive interagency consultations and a comprehensive review conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Homeland Security Secretary Noem concluded that Haiti no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation, determining that continued temporary protection for Haitian nationals contradicts U.S. national interests.
The announcement marks the latest development in a protracted legal and political battle surrounding Haiti’s TPS status. The Trump administration previously attempted to terminate the program, but faced judicial intervention when Federal Judge Brian M. Cogan blocked the measure in July, ruling that the interests of Haitian beneficiaries substantially outweighed potential government concerns.
DHS has outlined specific procedures for affected individuals, including the use of the CBP Home mobile application to facilitate what the department describes as a ‘secure and convenient self-deportation process.’ This digital platform offers a complimentary plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus, along with potential opportunities for future legal immigration to the United States.
The termination decision has sparked considerable debate, with previous attempts to end TPS for Haiti having drawn opposition from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups who argue that ongoing challenges in Haiti warrant continued protection for its nationals in the United States.