A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end temporary protected status (TPS) for over 520,000 Haitian immigrants living in the United States. This decision came from U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan in Brooklyn, who ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not follow the required procedures set by Congress when it sought to terminate TPS for Haitians.
The TPS for Haitians was set to expire on August 3, with plans for termination effective September 2. Judge Cogan pointed out that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem acted unlawfully by trying to revoke the TPS designation without proper authority. He stated that her actions did not comply with the timeline and instructions mandated by Congress.
In his ruling, Cogan emphasized that the interests of Haitians in living and working in the U.S. outweighed any potential harm to the government. He noted that the plaintiffs in the case were likely to succeed based on the merits of their arguments.
While the judge’s ruling allows Haitians to maintain their status for now, the government retains the ability to enforce immigration laws and terminate TPS as established by Congress. This ruling is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the status of individuals who sought refuge in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home countries.
DHS had previously claimed that conditions in Haiti had improved enough for migrants to return home safely. They encouraged Haitians with TPS to use a new application that allows for a safe departure back to Haiti, offering assistance such as a complimentary plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus.
The TPS program was created in 1990 to provide temporary protection for nationals from countries experiencing crises. It allows for extensions in increments of 18 months. The Trump administration has been focused on rolling back TPS designations, fulfilling a campaign promise to strengthen border security and deport illegal immigrants.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of TPS for Haitians remains uncertain, but for now, they can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can stay in the U.S. and continue their lives without the immediate threat of deportation.