Redesignation Allows Additional Newly Eligible Haitian Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from August 4, 2024, to February 3, 2026.
This decision comes in response to the extraordinary and temporary conditions prevailing in Haiti, including violence, insecurity, and limited access to essential services like healthcare, food, and water. The extension and redesignation provide critical humanitarian relief to Haitian nationals already present in the United States.
Understanding the Decision:
After consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined on June 3, 2024, that extending and redesignating Haiti for TPS is necessary due to ongoing adverse conditions in the country. Many regions in Haiti face severe challenges such as flooding, mudslides, storms, and earthquakes, which exacerbate the already critical humanitarian situation.
“We are providing this humanitarian relief to Haitians already present in the United States given the conditions that existed in their home country as of June 3, 2024,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “In doing so, we are realizing the core objective of the TPS law and our obligation to fulfill it.”
Who Benefits?
The redesignation of Haiti for TPS allows an estimated 309,000 additional Haitian nationals (or individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) to file initial applications for TPS. Eligible individuals must have established residence in the United States on or before June 3, 2024, and must continue to reside in the United States.
Eligible applicants can submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period from July 1, 2024, through February 3, 2026. They can also apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and travel authorization by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, either concurrently with Form I-821 or separately.
Key Details for Current Beneficiaries:
The extension of TPS allows current beneficiaries to retain their status through February 3, 2026, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Current beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day period from July 1, 2024, through August 30, 2024. Re-registration ensures the continuation of TPS and employment authorization.
DHS acknowledges that not all re-registrants may receive a new EAD before their current EAD expires. Therefore, the validity of certain EADs issued under Haiti’s previous TPS designation is automatically extended through August 3, 2025. Details on this extension are available on USCIS.gov.
To receive an EAD valid beyond August 3, 2025, re-registrants must file Form I-765 following the instructions in the Federal Register notice. USCIS will issue EADs valid through February 3, 2026, upon approval of the newly filed Form I-765.
Processing of Pending Applications:
USCIS will continue processing pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Haiti. Individuals with pending Form I-821 or related Form I-765 as of July 1, 2024, do not need to reapply. Upon approval, USCIS will grant TPS through February 3, 2026, and issue corresponding EADs.
Federal Register Notice:
The Federal Register notice provides comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs. It also guides new applicants on submitting initial applications under the redesignation and applying for an EAD.
Restrictions and Enforcement:
This extension and redesignation do not apply to individuals who were not in the United States on or before June 3, 2024. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to enforce U.S. laws and policies at the borders and throughout the Caribbean region. Since the issuance of the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule, over 24,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to more than 20 countries. DHS emphasizes that irregular migration journeys, particularly maritime routes, are perilous and often result in loss of life.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Federal Register notice and visit USCIS.gov.
