Temporary Protected Status for Haitians extended, giving those in South Florida more time to plan for what's next
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians has been extended for at least another two weeks after it was set to expire on Friday, giving those who have called South Florida home for more than a decade a bit more time to figure out what's next.
Friday was set to mark the end of TPS for hundreds of thousands of Haitians, meaning that after July 10 they would not be able to work legally in the United States.
However, in an updated announcement on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website, that deadline was extended until July 24, 2026.
That announcement is giving Haitians in South Florida a bit of breathing room, but they are still being urged to get legal affairs in order and to speak with estate and family attorneys if they haven't done so already.
TPS was first granted for Haitians in 2010, the same year a major earthquake hit the country.
According to the Florida Immigrant Coalition, about 158,000 Haitians in Florida are protected by TPS, with about 113,000 working in the healthcare field.
Many others work in the hospitality industry, like hotels and airports, and that's why a rally is being held at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday.
Across the U.S., roughly 63,000 Haitian TPS holders hold mortgages, and many others have financed vehicles.
And for many Haitians in South Florida, not knowing has been terrifying.
"The fear terrifies me"
Lilly, who said five members of her family are also in the United States under TPS, described the persistent anxiety surrounding the impending change.
"The idea that I can just wake up with banging on my door at 3 a.m. or getting stopped by the police… I've had nightmares over nightmares about that," she said. "I don't know what I would do, but I do know that it will be scary and the fear terrifies me."
Lilly said returning to Haiti is not an option due to the country's ongoing security crisis.
The U.S. Department of State currently lists Haiti under a Level 4 travel advisory – the highest designation– placing it alongside countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea.
The Trump Administration has already ended TPS for about 1 million people from 13 countries, including 650,000 people from Venezuela.
"Haiti's government cannot accommodate the loss of TPS"
The Trump administration has encouraged TPS holders to voluntarily leave the United States through its self-deportation program, which offers financial assistance and a free flight for those who choose to return to their home countries.
For one North Miami mother, that decision came a year ago. After years of living in South Florida, she moved to Haiti with her children in search of a different life. Today, she says returning is possible with careful planning, but she cautions that not every part of the country is safe or equipped to receive large numbers of returning families.
"Being in Haiti and living there, you can really see the gaps and the need, and our health care system really needed help," she said.
Much of Haiti continues to struggle with widespread gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince. The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for the country, urging Americans not to visit because of crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The woman, an American citizen, said she would not advise people to relocate to the capital.
"If everything were in Port-au-Prince, it would be very difficult for you to go back," she said. "It is not impossible, but I wouldn't recommend right now that anyone make plans for Port-au-Prince."
Instead, she encourages those considering a return to look at other regions of the country.
"Think about Les Cayes, think about the north, Cap-Haïtien," she said. "There are different parts where you can start planning to move. Find a relative in that area and start making a plan."
Since relocating, she has enrolled in medical school, found an apartment, and is working to build a life in Haiti. Still, she believes the country is not prepared to absorb the estimated 350,000 Haitians who could lose TPS.
"Our government right now cannot accommodate and do what is needed for their citizens," she said.
Immigration attorneys are urging TPS holders not to wait until the last minute.
"It is essential that you meet with an attorney to help put certain documents in place, such as a power of attorney or naming guardians for your underage children," said Emanuella Telfort, president of the Haitian Lawyers Association.
Unless another legal or administrative action changes the timeline, the new TPS deadline is July 24. After that date, work permits are expected to expire, effectively ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians currently covered under the program.