More than 300,000 Haitians risk losing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on February 3rd, 2026, which would deprive them of their protections as legal residents of the United States.

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Chairman of the Conference’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued a statement urging the Trump administration to "do the right thing" regarding Haitian immigrants, emphasizing, "[...] We are deeply concerned about the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters living in the United States who will soon have their legal status and work authorization revoked due to the Administration’s termination of TPS for Haiti [...] There is simply no realistic opportunity for the safe and orderly return of people to Haiti at this time," they wrote.

The bishops noted that the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, advising against travel due to "life-threatening risks," including kidnapping, civil unrest, and terrorist activity.

Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. regulatory agency responsible for air traffic control and safety, has banned flights from all U.S. cities to the Haitian capital.

In their statement, the U.S. bishops acknowledged that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is temporary in nature but reiterated their call for Congress to legislate to provide "viable opportunities for longtime residents with TPS, regardless of nationality, to request durable legal status."

They added, however, that Congress has not passed such legislation, leaving the executive branch with the responsibility to "call for justice and mercy."

"The Trump Administration still has the opportunity to do the right thing—to safeguard human life, to uphold the law, and to promote greater stability for people in this country and beyond," the bishops declared. "We urge the Administration to act accordingly by extending this vital relief for Haitians."

In conclusion, the bishops reaffirmed the solidarity of the American Church with all Haitians, whether they reside in Haiti, the United States, or elsewhere.

"We turn to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Patroness of Haiti, for her intercession," they prayed. "May she always be a source of strength and comfort for the Haitian people."

SL/ HaitiLibre