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US Supreme Court weighs ending protected status of Haitians and Syrians
On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the Trump administration's move to end Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians in the United States. The government argues TPS decisions are not subject to judicial review, while opponents say home-country conditions remain unsafe. Justices appeared divided, with conservatives leaning toward the government and liberals opposing; a ruling was expected by late June or early July.
Why It Matters
The ruling could affect more than a million TPS beneficiaries across a dozen countries and shape how the executive branch can modify or end protected-status programs.
Timeline
12 Events
State Department travel advisory for Haiti
April 29, 2026
The State Department advised Americans not to travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and limited health care.
Potential impact on TPS beneficiaries
April 29, 2026
A ruling could have implications for more than one million beneficiaries of TPS status from more than a dozen countries.
Ruling expected by late June or early July
April 29, 2026
The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the case by the end of June or early July.
Pipoly accuses President of racial animus toward non-white immigrants
April 29, 2026
Geoffrey Pipoly, arguing for Haitian TPS holders, said the true reason for terminating TPS is the president's racial animus toward non-white immigrants, citing Trump’s remarks about Haiti.
Arulanantham argues Syria's conditions persist
April 29, 2026
Ahilan Arulanantham, representing Syrian TPS holders, said the State Department's website indicates armed conflict in Syria remains active.
Kavanaugh notes TPS granted during Assad regime era
April 29, 2026
Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that TPS was granted to Syrians during the era of the Assad regime and has since been deposed.
Sotomayor questions discriminatory purpose and cites Trump remarks
April 29, 2026
Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked whether a discriminatory purpose may have played a part, referencing statements by Trump about Haiti; Sauer said the remarks were taken out of context and TPS decisions are not subject to judicial review.
Conservative justices appear inclined to support government position
April 29, 2026
A majority of the six conservative justices appeared to favor the government's arguments while the three liberal justices were seemingly opposed.
Supreme Court hearing on ending TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians
April 29, 2026
The Supreme Court weighed the administration's move to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians; Solicitor General John Sauer argued the decision is not subject to judicial review.
TPS revocations since 2017
2017
TPS status has been revoked for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Honduras, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen, and others in addition to Haitians and Syrians since Trump took office.
TPS extended to Syria in 2012
2012
TPS was extended to war-torn Syria in 2012.
Haitians become eligible for TPS in 2010
2010
Haitians became eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 2010 following a devastating earthquake.