In a controversial move that has drawn swift condemnation from immigration advocates, former President Donald Trump’s allies within DHS have pushed to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals while shortening protections for Haitians—upending lives amid escalating political tensions. Newly revealed documents show efforts to reverse Biden-era humanitarian policies ahead of the 2024 election.
Venezuela’s TPS Vacated Amid Political Pressure
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vacated Venezuela’s TPS designation on February 3, 2025, nullifying protections for over 472,000 Venezuelan migrants . This follows Trump’s repeated calls to end what he calls “unchecked immigration loopholes,” despite Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian crisis marked by authoritarian rule and economic collapse.
“This cruel decision ignores reality,” said María Rodríguez of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “Forcing people back to a failed state is a death sentence.”
Haiti’s Protection Period Slashed
Simultaneously, DHS amended Haiti’s TPS extension from 18 months to 12 months, now ending August 3, 2025 . The move comes despite Haiti’s worsening gang violence and political instability following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
| Country | Previous TPS End Date | New End Date | Affected Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venezuela | Oct 2, 2025 | Immediate termination | 472,000+ |
| Haiti | Feb 3, 2026 | Aug 3, 2025 | 88,000+ |
Economic and Social Fallout
TPS holders contribute $4.5 billion annually to U.S. GDP, with over 130,000 working in essential sectors like healthcare and food services . Revocations could create labor shortages in key industries:
- Construction: 23% of Salvadoran/Honduran TPS workers
- Healthcare: 9% of Haitian TPS holders
- Childcare: 27% of female TPS beneficiaries
Legal Challenges Loom
The decisions face immediate lawsuits citing violations of the Administrative Procedure Act. Advocates argue DHS failed to properly assess country conditions—a requirement under immigration law . Similar Trump-era TPS terminations were blocked by federal courts in 2019.
As congressional Democrats prepare emergency legislation to countermand the changes, Republican leaders applaud the moves as “restoring immigration integrity.” With deportation proceedings set to begin in June 2025, affected families now face impossible choices between separation and returning to danger.
