Venezuelan and Haitian TPS Beneficiaries Contribute to the Nation and Should Not Be Deported

On January 29, 2025, the Trump administration announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from Venezuela, with 505,400 Venezuelans at risk of losing protection and becoming subject to deportation (according to Congressional Research Service estimates). On February 20, the administration announced the termination of a TPS extension for Haiti, with approximately 252,000 Haitians losing legal status on August 3. TPS provides temporary legal status and work authorization to nationals of a country that has experienced natural disasters or civil conflict.

Under the DHS announcement, 350,000 Venezuelans would lose TPS status on April 7, while the remaining 260,000 would lose it in September. On March 31, a federal court halted the termination of TPS for Venezuelans, pending the resolution of the case in federal courts. On May 2, the Trump administration asked for an emergency ruling from the Supreme Court to allow the administration to rescind TPS for the first group of Venezuelans. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration on May 19, allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to end TPS for Venezuelans.

By revoking TPS for these populations, the Trump administration would subject immigrants who are contributing to the United States to deportation back to economically and politically unstable nations. According to estimates compiled by CMS, both groups have integrated into and built equities in the US.

Of the number of Venezuelans eligible for TPS, about half live in a mixed-status household, where a US citizen or permanent legal resident also resides. About 27 percent of TPS-eligible Haitian immigrants reside in a mixed-status household. Venezuelans with TPS have 44,100 US-citizen children, while Haitians have 34,300 US-citizen children, indicating that Venezuelan and Haitian families will either be separated by deportation, or children will be left orphaned if both parents receive TPS and are deported.

The two populations are also educated, with 88 percent of Venezuelans and 74 percent of Haitians holding a high school degree or higher. 64 percent of Venezuelans and 36 percent of Haitians hold a college degree or have attended some form of college.

TPS beneficiaries for Venezuela and Haiti are well integrated into the US labor market, filling important jobs in the economy. 79 percent of Venezuelans hold full or part-time work, while 72 percent of Haitians are gainfully employed. Sixteen percent of Venezuelans are self-employed, while four percent of Haitians operate their own businesses. Finally, 68 percent of Venezuelans and 69 percent of Haitians work in essential occupations.

Economically, both populations are independent and contribute their hard work and taxes to the US economy. Venezuelans have an average annual income of $69,300 per year, while Haitians average $72,400 per year. 

80 percent of Venezuelans under TPS have family income at or above the poverty line, while 77 percent of Haitians meet that threshold. Sixteen percent of Venezuelans have a mortgage, while 28 percent of Haitians have bought a home. Finally, 71 percent of Venezuelans and 64 percent of Haitians have health insurance.

Contrary to the assertions of the administration, TPS beneficiaries from Venezuela and Haiti are contributing members of their communities, filling important jobs in the US economy. To return them to their countries, which are racked with civil conflict and extreme poverty, would not only be a violation of human rights but also would harm the interests of the US.