Citing ongoing issues in Haiti, The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti for an additional 18 months. The extension changes the date of termination of TPS from February 4, 2023, moving it to August 3, 2024. As such, qualifying Haitians currently living in the United States as of November 6, 2022, are eligible to apply for TPS through August 3, 2024. Haitians entering the U.S. after November 6, 2022, are not eligible for TPS. Without a legal basis to remain in the U.S., Haitians who were not already living in the U.S. prior to November 6, 2022, are eligible for removal. Individuals from Haiti who arrive in the U.S. at any point after November 6, 2022, are not eligible to apply for TPS.

Issues noted in Haiti include political instability, gang violence and crime, socioeconomic difficulties, the spread of cholera, lack of access to food, water, fuel, and healthcare, and natural disasters. DHS worked with other interagency partners to consider the ongoing issues in Haiti and provide relief to those already in the U.S. Requiring these individuals to return to Haiti under these circumstances is not justified as the conditions have not improved since the original announcement of TPS for Haiti.

More details will be outlined in the Federal Register in the coming days. Eligibility requirements, timelines, and the process required for current TPS holders to renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will be outlined. For Haitian individuals already living in the U.S. as of November 6, 2022, who have not yet received their EADs, instructions will also be outlined.

If you have questions about the Temporary Protected Status or any other immigration-related issue, please contact us. We actively monitor ongoing updates to U.S. immigration policy to ensure our clients get the proper guidance for their particular situations. We’re in this together.