Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised a recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that prevents the Trump Administration from terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals living in the United States.
The decision, issued on Friday, upheld a lower court’s injunction blocking the administration’s efforts to end the humanitarian program for Haiti and several other countries.
TPS provides temporary legal status and work authorization to eligible nationals of designated countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
Haiti was originally designated for TPS in 2010 following a catastrophic earthquake that devastated the island nation. An estimated 45,000 Haitian TPS holders currently reside in Massachusetts.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Governor Healey called it “welcome news for Haitian families, our communities, and our economy.” She went on to emphasize the deep roots and contributions of the state’s Haitian TPS recipients.
“Haitian TPS holders have lived, worked, and raised their families here for years after fleeing devastating violence and instability in Haiti,” the Governor said. “Over time, they have become an essential part of our neighborhoods and our workforce.”
Governor Healey also criticized President Trump’s push to end TPS for Haiti and other nations, warning of the potential human and economic toll. “If President Trump had his way, hundreds of thousands of people who have been living and working legally in this country would suddenly have had their protections stripped away and lost their ability to work,” she noted. “That would upend families and create serious disruptions to our economy.”
The Governor’s statement highlighted the critical roles played by Haitian TPS holders across various sectors of the Massachusetts economy and social fabric. “Haitian TPS holders are nurses, home health aides, small business owners, teachers, and caregivers. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our friends,” she said.
Governor Healey concluded her remarks by reaffirming the Commonwealth’s solidarity with its Haitian community. “Massachusetts is proud to be home to a vibrant Haitian community,” she declared, “and we will continue to stand with them.”
The Trump Administration had sought to terminate TPS for Haiti and several other countries, arguing that the original conditions justifying the designations no longer existed. In the case of Haiti, the administration asserted that the country had recovered sufficiently from the 2010 earthquake to permit the safe return of its nationals.
However, a federal district court blocked the termination in February 2 2026, finding that the administration’s decision was motivated by racial animus and violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Court of Appeals has now affirmed that decision, ensuring that Haitian TPS holders can continue to legally live and work in the U.S. while the case proceeds.
The stakes are particularly high in Massachusetts, which has the third-largest Haitian population in the country.
Governor Healey’s statement reflects the broad consensus among state leaders and advocacy groups that ending TPS would have devastating consequences for Haitian families and the state’s economy.
Governor Healey’s vocal support for Haitian TPS holders is consistent with her long record of advocating for immigrant communities.
As Attorney General, she led legal challenges to the Trump first Administration’s travel ban and efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
With the appeals court ruling, Haitian TPS holders in Massachusetts and across the country have been given a reprieve. However, their ultimate fate remains uncertain as the legal battle over TPS continues. Immigrant advocates are calling on Congress to pass legislation providing permanent legal status to TPS holders, arguing that it is both a moral and economic imperative.
For now, though, Governor Healey’s statement sends a clear message that Haitian TPS holders remain a vital and welcome part of the Massachusetts community. “Haitian TPS holders have made immense contributions to our state,” the Governor said. “We will continue to fight for their right to live and work here in safety and dignity.”
