MIAMI — Local advocates for Haitians receiving TPS are calling Monday’s court ruling a victory for humanity while warning that the fight is not over.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled to pause the Trump administration’s plan to end TPS for Haitians.
“The ruling is a reprieve,” said Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
That sentiment was also felt by TPS recipients.
“I woke up with sense of revival after suffering extreme fear and anxiety,” said Farah Larrieux. “The decision of a judge has given us hope in the checks and balance system in the United States to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.”
While celebrated, Reyes’ ruling only provides advocates a temporary solution.
“Let us be clear this is not the end,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien.
“Because what was given can be taken away by a higher court, the administration could decide to appeal,” added Wenski.
Wenski said about 100 of their Catholic Health Services employees, to include nurses and home health aides, are TPS Haiti designees.
“These people can continue working and therefore can continue serving the seniors and the other people they care for in our assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc.,” said Wenski. “Had this gone through, this would have an immediate negative impact on the economy of South Florida.”
When it comes to the legal issue of irreparable harm, Reyes pointed to the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for Haiti.
She wrote: “’Do not travel to Haiti for any reason’ does not exactly scream, as Secretary Noem concluded, suitable for return.”
Said Bastien: “If it is not safe for U.S. citizens to travel to Haiti, than by god it is not safe for anyone to be forcibly returned there.”
In her conclusion, Reyes made reference to a December 2025 post on X by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, writing, “Kristi Noem has a First Amendment right to call immigrants killers, leeches, entitlement junkies, and any other inapt name she wants. Secretary Noem, however, is constrained by both our Constitution and the APA [Administrative Procedure Act] to apply faithfully the facts to the law in implementing the TPS program. The record to-date shows she has yet to do that.”
In her ruling, Reyes said the humanitarian relief program brings in substantial revenue. TPS holders, she said, generate $5.2 billion in taxes annually.
“Immigrants are not problems,” said Wenski.
TPS advocates also made an appeal to Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Tuesday, who has two children adopted from Haiti, saying if she doesn’t think the country is safe enough for her kids, how could she rule it is safe for others from Haitian descent.
Bastien and fellow U.S. Rep Maria Salazar had a call to action for Congress, urging federal lawmakers to sign a long-term extension for TPS for Haitians through a discharge petition that could compel the House of Representatives to vote on a bill that would require the Trump administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years. It would need 218 signatures in the house to move forward.
“The Miami-Dade Commission stands strong for our Haitian community, as well as our Venezuelan and other countries that are really are not safe for return,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “To be said, the congressional delegation, there has certainly been bipartisan talk about Venezuela, but I have not yet seen a united front about Haiti. But now we have a chance now that everyone has recognized through this court’s very courageous and clear decision that simply it is not safe to return to Haiti at this time. I hope and pray that our delegation will speak up.”
Salazar’s office confirmed she joined Democrats in signing that petition. Their statement is below:
“Haiti is in the middle of a profound humanitarian and security collapse, and this demands leadership from the United States. Sending people back into gang-controlled chaos is neither realistic nor humane. We must give the international gang-suppression force the time it needs to stabilize conditions on the ground. That’s why I signed the discharge petition to move forward with extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals. I will continue to stand firmly with the Haitian people and support every responsible effort to ensure their safety and stability, as well as support a future free, safe, and prosperous Haiti for people to return to.” -U.S. Rep. Maria Salazar
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