On June 25, 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark 6-3 decision in Mullin v. Doe, ruling that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can move forward with the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Haiti and Syria. This ruling has immediate and far-reaching consequences for hundreds of thousands of immigrants currently living and working legally in the United States under TPS protection.
The Court’s majority held that Section 1254a(b)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act bars judicial review of non-constitutional claims related to TPS designations. In plain terms, courts cannot step in to block the government from ending TPS based on standard legal challenges. The only remaining avenue — an equal protection argument — was found by the majority to be unlikely to succeed.
Justices Jackson, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented, underscoring the significant legal and human stakes involved. If you or your family members hold TPS for Haiti or Syria, this decision demands your immediate attention.
What the Supreme Court Ruled — and Why It Matters
Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian protection granted by the U.S. government to nationals of countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or extraordinary conditions that make return unsafe. TPS allows holders to live and work legally in the United States for the duration of their designation period.
In Mullin v. Doe, the Supreme Court resolved a key legal question: can federal courts review the government’s decision to terminate TPS? The 6-3 majority said no — at least not on the grounds that challengers had raised. The Court ruled that Section 1254a(b)(5)(A) of the INA strips courts of jurisdiction to review non-constitutional TPS claims, and that the equal protection claim brought by the affected individuals was unlikely to succeed on the merits.
The practical result: the primary legal barrier that had been preventing DHS from ending Haitian and Syrian TPS has now been removed by the nation’s highest court. The Administration can proceed with formal termination steps.
Who Is Affected by This Ruling?
Currently, more than one million people hold TPS in the United States across multiple country designations. The June 25 ruling most directly impacts:
- Haitian TPS holders — Haiti has faced devastating earthquakes, political collapse, and ongoing gang violence. The U.S. Department of State has issued security advisories due to continuing unrest, warning against travel to the country.
- Syrian TPS holders — Syria remains in the grip of prolonged civil war and political instability. The State Department acknowledges that no part of Syria can be considered safe for return.
Together, these two groups represent a significant portion of the TPS community in the United States. Many have lived here for years or even decades — raising U.S.-citizen children, owning homes, operating businesses, and working in essential industries including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and agriculture.
AILA President Jeff Joseph captured the human dimension of this ruling: “There are more than a million people with TPS who are legally working and living in the United States. They are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, healthcare workers, caregivers, parents, and community leaders. Many have built their lives in the United States, raised U.S. citizen children, purchased homes, started businesses, and contributed billions of dollars to our economy.”
What AILA and Immigration Advocates Are Saying
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) responded to the ruling with deep alarm. AILA’s leadership emphasized that conditions in both Haiti and Syria remain dangerous — a fact acknowledged by the U.S. government’s own State Department — making the forced return of TPS holders a serious humanitarian concern.
AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson called on Congress to act immediately, pointing out that a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives had already voted to recognize the critical importance of TPS for Haiti through H.R. 1689. Johnson urged the Senate to follow suit and called for Congress to enact legislation providing a path to permanent residence for long-time TPS holders who have established deep roots in the United States.
Johnson stated plainly: “On its path to end legal immigration, this Administration continues to weaponize every policy option they have to force immigrants into unlawful status and make them vulnerable to deportation. Congress must not allow this to continue; lawmakers must preserve lawful pathways, protect the rule of law, and provide long-time TPS holders the opportunity to remain here permanently.”
What Happens Next — Steps TPS Holders Should Take Right Now
If you currently hold TPS for Haiti or Syria, here is what you need to know and do:
- This ruling does not mean immediate deportation. While the Supreme Court has removed a key legal barrier, DHS must still follow administrative procedures before any termination takes legal effect. TPS holders are not being removed today, but the window to act is closing.
- Know your current TPS expiration date. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and TPS approval are tied to specific designation periods. Check the exact date your current TPS status expires and do not wait until it lapses to seek help.
- Explore alternative immigration options immediately. Many TPS holders may qualify for other forms of legal status they are not aware of, including family-based green cards, employment-based sponsorship, asylum, U visas for crime victims, or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for younger individuals. An immigration attorney can identify options specific to your situation.
- Gather and organize your documents. Compile your TPS approvals, EADs, any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members’ documents, employment records, tax returns, and evidence of your ties to the United States. These will be critical for any future immigration application.
- Contact your Congressional representatives. Congress retains the power to protect TPS holders through legislation. Bipartisan support exists for solutions. Make your voice heard by contacting your Senators and House representatives.
The Broader Impact on Communities and the U.S. Economy
The stakes of this ruling extend far beyond individual immigration documents. TPS holders contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy and fill critical roles in sectors already facing severe labor shortages — from nursing homes and hospitals to construction sites and farms. Removing this workforce harms not just individuals, but employers, local economies, and entire communities.
The human toll is equally significant. Many TPS holders have U.S.-citizen children who have never lived in another country. Forced removal would mean either uprooting these children to countries they do not know, or separating them permanently from a parent. These are real families facing an impossible choice.
As AILA’s Executive Director noted: “We are eliminating potentially hundreds of thousands of workers from our payrolls in jobs going unfilled by U.S. workers. Today’s decision is not merely a legal setback; it is a catastrophic loss.”
Conclusion: Act Now — Legal Help Is Available
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Mullin v. Doe is one of the most significant USA immigration developments of 2026. Its full impact on Haitian and Syrian TPS holders is still unfolding, but the window to prepare and protect yourself is open right now.
If you or someone you love holds TPS for Haiti or Syria, the single most important action you can take today is to consult with a qualified immigration attorney. The earlier you seek advice, the more legal options will be available to you. Do not wait for a formal TPS end date to arrive before seeking help.
For the full legal details of Mullin v. Doe and authoritative guidance on TPS, visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association at aila.org. To find a qualified immigration attorney near you, use AILA’s directory at ailalawyer.com. You can also consult a qualified immigration attorney who can review your individual case and advise you on the best path forward.
Immigration Fleet Law Firm