A federal judge on Monday blocked the scheduled termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, pausing the Trump administration’s effort to end the humanitarian program as a legal challenge proceeds. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled that the planned Feb. 3 expiration was “null, void and of no legal effect,” preserving work authorization and protection from deportation for Haitian TPS holders while the case moves forward. Reyes was appointed to the federal bench by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2023.

The Biden administration last extended and redesignated Haiti for TPS in June 2024, citing ongoing political instability and humanitarian conditions, setting the current expiration date in 2026. TPS was first granted after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and has been repeatedly renewed due to continuing crises. An analysis by Bricker Graydon Wyatt said the ruling maintains current protections while the court considers the underlying challenge. Homeland Security officials are expected to appeal.

The ruling provides short-term workforce stability by allowing Haitian TPS holders to continue working legally while the case moves forward. Employers avoid the sudden loss of trained workers and the costs of turnover and retraining in an already tight labor market. Industry groups said the decision offers temporary certainty for staffing and compliance planning, though longer-term impacts will depend on the outcome of the court challenge and any future action by federal officials. 2/6/2026