JACKSON HEIGHTS, N.Y. — A federal judge has blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals, allowing the humanitarian program to remain in place while litigation continues.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled on February 2 that the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end TPS protections for Haitians was “null, void, and of no legal effect.” In her decision, Judge Reyes found the termination was “substantially likely” motivated by “hostility toward nonwhite immigrants.”
The ruling drew praise from immigration attorney Daniel S. Drucker of the Drucker Law Firm, who represents immigrants and families navigating the U.S. immigration system.
“This decision recognizes the reality facing Haitian nationals today,” Drucker said. “Sending people back to a country struggling with political instability, widespread gang violence, food insecurity, and public health crises would put lives at risk.”
TPS was first granted to Haitians in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. While the designation was intended to be temporary, many beneficiaries have remained in the United States due to continuing unrest and humanitarian conditions in Haiti. The Trump administration has sought to terminate TPS protections for Haitians and other groups as part of a broader immigration enforcement agenda.
Drucker criticized the administration’s rhetoric surrounding immigrants and TPS holders.
“For years, immigrants seeking safety and opportunity have been unfairly portrayed as threats rather than contributors,” he said. “This ruling pushes back against policies driven by fear and misinformation, and it reaffirms that humanitarian protections must be grounded in facts, not prejudice.”
The case will continue to be litigated, but for now, Haitian TPS holders may lawfully remain and work in the United States.
For more information, call (516) 786-2400 or visit www.druckerlaw.net.
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About Drucker Law Firm
With offices in Jackson Heights, Syosset and Patchogue, Drucker Law Firm has been providing personal and quality legal services to individuals, universities, and corporations throughout the New York City and Tri-State area for more than 40 years. The firm has represented three generations of clients in immigration and naturalization matters, as well as personal injury, and general litigation matters. Its clients consist of individuals, families, small to medium-sized corporations, and universities. For more information, call (516) 786-2400 or visit www.druckerlaw.net.
