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U.S. Ends Haiti TPS, Freezes Asylum Decisions as Trump Signals Broader Migration Pause

Officials cast the steps as security responses to the Washington shooting, placing green cards and visas under new reviews.

Overview

  • DHS formally terminated Temporary Protected Status for Haiti effective February 3, 2026, affecting about 353,000 people and advising those without another legal basis to prepare to leave.
  • USCIS Director Joe Edlow announced that all asylum decisions are halted until enhanced vetting can be ensured.
  • USCIS ordered rigorous reviews of green cards for nationals from 19 countries of concern, while the State Department paused visa issuances for Afghans and USCIS suspended Afghan immigration filings.
  • President Donald Trump said he intends to “pause permanently” migration from “all third world countries” and to rescind admissions and visas issued under prior policies.
  • Advocates and some elected officials say ending protections for Haitians is dangerous given pervasive gang violence, mass displacement and a U.S. Level 4 travel warning for Haiti.