Trump Secures Immigration Win with TPS Ruling
President Donald Trump achieved a significant immigration victory as a federal judge acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is in effect. The ruling concludes a protracted legal battle concerning the Biden administration’s expansion of Haiti’s TPS designation.
This issue was pivotal in the 2024 election. Trump and JD Vance criticized the Biden administration’s TPS policies, attributing the surge of Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, to these policies. Residents complained about traffic safety, strained public services, and cultural tensions.
The controversy gained national attention when Trump mentioned claims about migrants taking ducks and geese from parks and allegedly eating pets. The White House did not comment on the situation.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes confirmed her previous order blocking the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) termination of Haiti’s TPS is null after the Supreme Court’s decision and the D.C. Circuit’s mandate. While the lawsuit continues, the administration can now proceed with ending TPS for approximately 330,000 to 350,000 Haitians in the U.S.
The litigation will now focus on whether the administration acted with racial bias in ending TPS. The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the TPS statute prevents judicial review of non-constitutional decisions and found the plaintiffs’ equal protection claim weak.
DHS General Counsel James Percival clarified that the Supreme Court’s mandate effectively ended Haiti’s TPS on July 27, and Judge Reyes’ order only acknowledged this fact.
Haiti initially received TPS after the 2010 earthquake, with the status extended over 16 years through various administrations. Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem terminated the designation, arguing the program exceeded its temporary purpose.
With the SCOTUS ruling, DHS confirmed Haiti’s TPS ended on July 27. Employers must reverify work authorization for affected employees. The State Department maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti due to violence and unrest.