DHS to Extend and Redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, through August 3, 2024. DHS is also redesignating Haiti for TPS, allowing Haitian nationals residing in the United States as of November 6, 2022, to apply for initial TPS. Details on applying for TPS under the extension and redesignation will be contained in an upcoming Federal Register notice.

The issue

Due to the continuing crisis in Haiti, DHS is extending its 2021 designation of TPS for Haiti by an additional 18 months, from February 4, 2023, through August 3, 2024.

DHS has also announced that it is redesignating Haiti for TPS, allowing Haitian nationals residing in the United States as of November 6, 2022 to apply for initial TPS through August 3, 2024, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Haitians entering the United after November 6, 2022, are not eligible for TPS.

This extension and redesignation are separate from an earlier 2010 Haiti TPS designation that has been subject to litigation and was recently extended to June 30, 2024. DHS encourages eligible individuals to apply for all TPS designations available to them.

A closer look

• Haitian beneficiaries of the 2021 TPS designation will need to re-register to extend their status and work authorization, and newly eligible Haitians residing in the United States as of November 6, 2022 will need to apply for initial TPS and employment authorization within the designated registration period.
• DHS will announce the re-registration and initial registration periods and provide details on the eligibility criteria and application process in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
• Haitian nationals who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since November 6, 2022, and who already have a pending TPS application with DHS do not have to refile at this time.

Looking ahead

The extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS means that qualifying beneficiaries who timely submit initial or re-registration applications may remain in the United States and obtain work authorization through August 3, 2024. Prior to the conclusion of the 18-month extension and redesignation, DHS will review conditions to again determine whether its TPS designation should be extended or terminated.

We will provide an update when DHS issues the Federal Register notice designating the re-registration and initial registration periods and providing details on the eligibility criteria and application process.