Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Haitian TPS - Keeps Protection in Place from Ending Today

Last night, a federal judge in Washington granted an emergency request to pause the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians while a lawsuit challenging the decision goes ahead. This request blocks the Department of Homeland Security from ending the temporary immigration protections for Haitians, many of them in south Florida. This decision means that, for right now, Haitians who benefit from TPS will continue to have protections from deportations and will continue to have valid work authorizations.

This decision halts the termination of Haiti’s temporary protected status designation which was set to end tonight at 11:59 p.m.  The judge, U.S, District Judge Ana Reyes, noted in her 83-page ruling that Haitians would face irreparable harm if sent back to Haiti. 

In Florida, the recent decision regarding Haitian TPS brings welcome relief to many employees working in Florida’s senior living communities—particularly those dedicated workers who have served in the same roles for years, contributing invaluable, stability and compassionate care to residents.

Florida is home to approximately 158,000 Haitian TPS beneficiaries, with over 90,000 engaged in the state's workforce. They are primarily employed in critical sectors such as healthcare, elder care, and construction. This has significant implications for Florida's senior living communities, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and home health care services, with an estimated 20% of Haitian TPS holders working in healthcare roles, particularly in South Florida where large Haitian populations reside.

The Florida Senior Living Association (FSLA) will continue to closely monitor developments related to TPS decisions and will share any important updates should any changes occur.