TPS Is Ending for Haitians and Syrians: Here’s What You Need to Know

A plain-language guide for TPS holders – July 2026

This guide explains the law in simple terms. It is not legal advice. Every case is different. Talk to a qualified immigration lawyer about your situation as soon as possible.

What Happened with TPS

In June 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case Mullin v. Doe. This decision allows the government to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Haiti and Syria. Courts generally cannot block it.

This affects roughly 350,000 Haitians and 6,100 Syrians.

TPS gave you two key protections: safety from deportation and a work permit. When TPS ends (expected within about 30 days after lower courts issue orders), these protections disappear for most people.

What Happens When TPS Ends

You will return to the immigration status you had before TPS. For many, this means no legal status. You can then face:

Loss of your work permit (EAD)
Loss of protection from deportation
A removal (deportation) case started by ICE

How Removal Proceedings Start

ICE can send you a Notice to Appear (NTA) by mail to your last known address. It can also happen during any contact with immigration officers (traffic stop, workplace check, arrest, etc.).

If you had an old deportation order (especially an “in absentia” order where you missed court), it could be reinstated, making removal happen faster.

Why this matters now: Acting early gives you more time and better options.

The Dangers of Detention

Once TPS ends, ICE may detain people during removal proceedings. Detention is very difficult:

Cases can take months or even years.
Families are separated. Jobs and income are lost.
Detention centers can be crowded with limited medical and mental health care.
You can ask for bond/release, but judges are not required to grant it, and amounts are often high.

Being detained makes it much harder to gather evidence and fight your case. Preparing now helps protect you and your loved ones.

Cancellation of Removal: A Real Chance to Stay and Get a Green Card

One important option is called Cancellation of Removal (lawyers call it “42B” or non-LPR cancellation under INA § 240A(b)(1)).

If an Immigration Judge grants it, your deportation case is cancelled and you become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

You can only apply for this once you are in removal proceedings.

Basic Requirements

10 years continuous physical presence in the U.S. before applying.
Short trips are usually okay (no single trip over 90 days; total trips under 180 days). Time on TPS generally counts. The “stop-time rule” starts when you receive an NTA.
Good moral character for those 10 years.
No disqualifying criminal convictions (serious crimes, many drug offenses, domestic violence, gun crimes, etc.). A lawyer must review your full record.
Exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 if you are deported.
This is a high standard — more than normal family separation. Strong evidence is essential: medical records, doctor letters, school records, psychological evaluations, financial documents, and proof of your family role.

Other important facts:

The judge has discretion — even if you qualify, they don’t have to approve it.
Only about 4,000 grants per year nationwide.
Some prior immigration history can bar you — get this checked.

Many long-term Haitian and Syrian TPS holders already meet the 10-year rule. This option is worth exploring seriously.

How the Process Works

You file Form EOIR-42B with the Immigration Court (filing fee is currently around $100 + $30 biometrics; confirm current fees). You attend hearings, present evidence and witnesses, and make your case to the judge.

Can You Work While Your Case Is Pending?

Yes, in most cases.

Once the Immigration Court accepts your EOIR-42B, you can file Form I-765 for a work permit (EAD). There is usually no long waiting period. The permit lasts one year and can be renewed while your case is pending. There is a filing fee for the I-765.

Other Possible Options

Depending on your situation, ask a lawyer about:

Asylum or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) if you fear return to your home country.
Adjustment of status through a qualifying family member.
Voluntary departure in appropriate cases.

What You Should Do Right Now

Gather documents: proof of U.S. residence, family records, medical/school/financial documents, tax returns, etc.
Check for any old immigration court cases (call the EOIR hotline at 1-800-898-7180 or check online).
Contact a trusted immigration lawyer immediately. Early preparation keeps more doors open.

You are not alone. Many families in similar situations have successfully fought their cases and stayed in the United States.

Want a Detailed Guide?

As a former United States Immigration Judge and practicing immigration attorney with decades of experience, I created a plain-language book focused on Cancellation of Removal cases. It walks through requirements, evidence strategies, court procedures, and practical tips for strong applications.

Find it on Amazon as part of The Pro Se Immigration Law Library series. It is written to help individuals and families understand and prepare effectively.

Ready to take the next step? Contact our office for a consultation. Early action is the best protection for you and your family.

This is general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your case. Robert Ratliff | Immigration Attorney, Brennan, Manna & Diamond.