Haitian TPS extended to February after federal court ruling

NEW YORK — Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program will remain in place until February after a federal court blocked efforts to end it early, offering a reprieve to tens of thousands of Haitians in the U.S.

On July 15, a U.S. District Court judge in Brooklyn ruled that the program’s termination cannot take effect before Feb. 3, 2026. The 18‑month designation, originally set to expire on Sept. 2, was under threat after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determined in July that Haiti no longer met the criteria for TPS.

The ruling came in Haitian Evangelical Clergy Ass’n v. Trump, where Judge Brian Cogan issued a final judgment delaying DHS’s move despite the agency recently prevailing in a similar Supreme Court case.

“This decision offers a reprieve for Haitian families, but the future of TPS remains uncertain beyond February,” said an immigration rights advocate familiar with the case.

What’s new: Court blocks early end to Haitian TPS

On July 1, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem moved to end Haiti’s TPS protections by Sept. 2, arguing that “improved country conditions” made returns safe. 

But immigration advocates and Haitian-American lawmakers condemned the decision, citing worsening violence and humanitarian crises. 

The court’s July 15 ruling halts that effort, extending protections—including work permits—through Feb. 3, 2026

What happens after Feb. 3, 2026?

DHS must now re-evaluate Haiti’s conditions and decide whether to renew TPS by early December 2025. If renewed, recipients must re-register and apply for updated work permits; if not, deportation protections could lapse for an estimated 500,000 Haitians.

Advocates warn that uncertainty has long plagued Haitian TPS holders, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, raising families and building careers under the program’s umbrella.

Know some who needs help with TPS or immigration status? 

For Haitian immigrants navigating Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, or deportation proceedings, several organizations provide free or low-cost legal support and social services. Below is a list of reliable options, organized by reach and specialty as a starting point for legal help.

Life of Hope (LOH)
Based in Brooklyn, Life of Hope offers in-person consultations and is recommended for Haitian TPS holders seeking personalized support.

• Services: Immigration legal aid, adjustment of status, naturalization, deportation defense, youth programs, job training, healthcare access.
• Contact: lohnyc.org/legal-support

National organizations serving Haitian immigrants

Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA)
With operations across border states like California, Texas, and New York, HBA serves Haitians seeking asylum, TPS, and legal protection.

• Services: Legal aid for TPS, asylum, deportation defense, support for migrants in transit or ICE custody.
• Contact: haitianbridgealliance.org/contact

Catholic Charities
With offices in Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, Catholic Charities assists immigrants of all backgrounds, including Haitians.

• Services: Asylum applications, TPS renewals, family reunification, deportation defense, housing, and mental health services.
• Contact: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/about-us/find-a-local-agency

Immigration Advocates Network
This national directory allows users to search for non-profit immigration legal service providers by state.

• Tool: immigrationadvocates.org/legal-directory

Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP)
Operating in both Queens and Brooklyn, HAUP provides social, educational, and legal services.

• Services: TPS renewals, family petitions, citizenship assistance, ESL classes, job training.
• Contact: haupinc.org/contact

Legal Aid Society
New York’s oldest and largest provider of legal aid supports low-income immigrants, including Haitians.

• Services: Deportation defense, TPS and asylum applications, housing and employment legal support.
• Contact: legalaidnyc.org

Haitian Community Network (HaCoNet)
Connects Haitian immigrants to legal and support services nationwide.

• Contact:https://www.haconet.org/ | info@haconet.org | 1-614-600-5530

Ohio Immigrant Alliance
Offers support for Haitian migrants in the Midwest, particularly those in detention or newly deported.

• Contact: ohioimmigrant.org | Phone: 1-216-867-1800

TPS is a temporary order, not a permanent fix. It has provided crucial relief, but the policy remains subject to political winds. While the court ruling offers a reprieve until February 2026, the future of Haitian TP, the thousands who rely on it, remains uncertain.

Additional reporting by Zoltan Lucas.

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