# What This Bill Does

This bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant temporary protected status (TPS) to Haiti for 18 months starting in August 2025. In practical terms, this means Haitian nationals already in the United States would be allowed to stay and work legally during this period, even if they don't have permanent residency or other legal immigration status. They would receive work permits and protection from deportation, as long as they meet basic requirements like not having serious criminal convictions.

Temporary protected status is a program designed for countries experiencing major crises—like natural disasters, armed conflict, or epidemics—that make it unsafe or impossible for their citizens to return home. Haiti has faced devastating earthquakes, hurricanes, gang violence, and political instability over the years, which is why supporters argue the country qualifies for this protection. The 18-month designation would give Haitian nationals time to work, support their families, and potentially send money back to Haiti while conditions there stabilize.

For Haitian immigrants already living in the U.S., this would be significant because it would allow them to work openly without fear of sudden deportation. However, this bill only applies to people already in the country—it doesn't create a new pathway for Haitians outside the U.S. to enter. The protection would be temporary, meaning it could end after 18 months unless Congress or the administration extends it. This is a relatively narrow bill that targets one specific country and one specific group of people already present in America.

To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status.

Gillen, Laura

<p>This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status (TPS) for 18 months beginning August 3, 2025. (Eligible nationals&nbsp;of a TPS-designated country&nbsp;may obtain employment authorization, may not be detained on the basis of their immigration status, and are not subject to removal while they retain TPS.)</p>