A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s effort to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 520,000 Haitian immigrants before its scheduled expiration in 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had attempted to rescind President Joe Biden’s extension of TPS for Haitians, originally set to end on February 3, 2026, moving the deadline up to September 2, 2025.
However, U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan ruled that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem lacked the legal authority to prematurely end the program without adhering to the statutory process set by Congress. Cogan emphasized that the plaintiffs—Haitian TPS holders and advocacy groups—were likely to win the case, and that the harm to Haitian families outweighed any potential damage to the government.
TPS for Haitians was originally granted in 2010 after a devastating earthquake. The Biden administration extended it citing ongoing instability and gang violence in Haiti, which continues to displace more than a million people. Plaintiffs also argued that Noem’s decision violated their constitutional rights by failing to review current conditions and by acting with alleged racial bias.
Noem, a strong Trump ally, has sought to end TPS protections for Haitians, Venezuelans, Afghans, and Cameroonians. In May, the Supreme Court allowed TPS to end for Venezuelans, raising concerns about similar moves for other nationalities.
The DHS defended its stance, stating TPS was never intended to be a permanent solution. However, immigration advocates say the attempt undermines humanitarian protections. Federal courts also blocked similar efforts by Trump during his first term.
This ruling is seen as a legal win for immigrant rights groups, although DHS is expected to appeal. The decision could shape future TPS-related cases and Trump’s immigration policy agenda.