Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

Nephtaly Augustin '28

As of February 4th, 2026, a federal judge has blocked Trump’s administrative attempt to terminate temporary protective status on Haiti. More than 350,000 Haitian immigrants were secured from the federal judge’s decision. The block on the TPS (Temporary Protective Status) on Haiti was enabled hours before it was set to expire.

On July 1st, 2025, U.S Department Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the TPS on Haitians be terminated. Kristi Noem planned for the termination to be enacted on September 2nd, 2025.

A New York federal judge ruled that the DHS (Department Homeland Security) attempt to shorten and eradicate TPS for Haitians is unconstitutional and “violated the Administrative Procedure Act”. The Administrative Procedure Act is where federal agencies issue and develop regulations. This act follows their requirements by publishing notices of proposal and finalizing rulemaking in the Federal Register. It also allows for the public to comment on proposed rulemaking.