Donald Trump Targets Legal Haitian Immigrants.

The Action Shows It Was Never About Stopping "Illegal" Immigration, But Immigration As A Whole.

Donald Trump Shows Off Executive Order.

Kristi Noem, Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Homeland Security, has decided to rescind Joe Biden’s decision to extend their Temporary Protective Status (TPS), effective August 3rd, 2025.

TPS is a temporary immigration status provided to nationals of specifically designated countries experiencing problems that would make it difficult or unsafe for their nationals to be deported there.

This typically lasts between 6-18 months, but can be renewed if the conditions in the designated country have not changed.

To be given this status, one must apply and pay a fee while meeting the qualifications. Things like serious criminal convictions can disqualify you from the program. When it is extended, the individual must reapply for designation.

Construction Workers With TPS By State.

For Haiti, this status was first given after the earthquakes left the country ravaged in 2010. It was renewed after hurricanes Sandy in 2012 and Matthew in 2016, and further extended since due to conditions on the ground getting worse.

Between economic instability, corruption, and the rise of gang violence, Haiti is less safe now than it was when it first received TPS.

Here’s a couple notable facts about the reality on the ground in Haiti:

• Over 5,000 killed by armed groups in 2024 with over 700,000 displaced.

• 40% of Haitians live in extreme poverty

• 5.4 million Haitians are acutely food insecure

• Sexual violence against children up 1000% in 2024

These Haitian immigrants under TPS have presented no increased crime risk, and have actually helped substantially turn around some local economies that have welcomed them.

Despite this, Donald Trump has decided to fully revoke the status for Haitians. Leaving as many as 500,000 Haitian immigrants without work authorization and at risk of deportation.

Which seems counter-productive, if the goal is to thwart undocumented immigration, this only creates more of it while taking from their ability to contribute to the economy.

Haitians who have been in the country for 15 years could be deported for no reason other than being Haitian.

For the sake of these immigrants, and the local economies which rely on their labor, we have to hope the legal challenges to this measure are both swift and effective. Until then, Haitian immigrants should begin learning their rights to prepare for the worst possible outcome.