Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

Haitian American Congresswoman Praises Ruling as Little Haiti Residents Gather in Prayer

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's move to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 350,000 Haitian immigrants living in the United States, including an estimated 158,000 in Florida. The ruling was praised by Haitian American leaders and celebrated by the Haitian community in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, who gathered for a prayer vigil to give thanks and express relief over the decision.

Why it matters

The TPS program provides temporary legal status and work authorization for immigrants from countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Ending TPS for Haitians could have forced tens of thousands of families to return to Haiti, which is still recovering from a series of crises including political instability, gang violence, and the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

The details

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a temporary injunction blocking the Trump administration's plan to terminate TPS for Haitians, which was set to expire on February 3rd. The ruling allows Haitian TPS recipients to remain in the U.S. and continue working, at least for the time being. Haitian American Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick praised the decision, stating that it "confirms what we all know to be true: our nation cannot be at its greatest without Haitian immigrants, who contribute close to $3.4 billion annually to our economy." In Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, a small but emotional crowd gathered for a prayer vigil, expressing relief and gratitude over the ruling.

  • On February 2, 2026, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.
  • TPS protections for Haitians were set to expire on February 3, 2026 prior to the judge's ruling.

The players

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

A Haitian American Congresswoman who praised the federal judge's ruling as a "major win" for South Florida's immigrant communities.

Ana C. Reyes

A U.S. District Judge who issued a temporary injunction blocking the Trump administration's plan to terminate TPS for Haitians.

Fabiola Barthelemy

A Haitian American who has lived in the U.S. for decades and expressed concerns about the crisis in Haiti, stating that "sending people back is like a death sentence."

Elizabeth Barthelemy

The daughter of Fabiola Barthelemy, who said the prospect of her relatives being forced to return to Haiti is "devastating."

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What they’re saying

“This is a major win for South Florida and for our strong immigrant communities. This decision confirms what we all know to be true: our nation cannot be at its greatest without Haitian immigrants, who contribute close to $3.4 billion annually to our economy.”

— Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Haitian American Congresswoman

“The past five years, what Haiti's been dealing with — we are not ready. The crisis is real. Children are being raped and gangs are still active. Sending people back is like a death sentence to me.”

— Fabiola Barthelemy, Haitian American (CBS News)

“It would make me feel mad, frustrated, sad and depressed. My cousins are like my family. I would go with them.”

— Elizabeth Barthelemy (CBS Miami)

What’s next

The judge's ruling is a temporary injunction, and the long-term status of TPS for Haitians remains uncertain. Community leaders and elected officials say the decision offers critical breathing room but does not guarantee a permanent solution.

The takeaway

This ruling provides relief for thousands of Haitian immigrant families who were facing the prospect of deportation, but it also highlights the ongoing uncertainty and challenges faced by TPS recipients. The Haitian community's celebration of the decision underscores the vital role these immigrants play in South Florida's economy and society.