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Update on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti and Related Countries

Client Alert

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued an important update on July 10, 2026, regarding Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries from Haiti and several other countries.

Current Status:

  • Haiti: TPS designation and related benefits remain in effect pursuant to a District Court order, until July 24, 2026. EAD documents, otherwise known as work authorization, for categories A12 or C19 with prior expiration dates are automatically extended through July 24, 2026.
  • Haitian natives with EAD documents issued in a different category should consult with an immigration attorney.
  • Other Countries (Burma/Myanmar, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia, and South Sudan): EADs are extended through July 17, 2026.

These are short-term administrative extensions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 25, 2026 decision in Mullin v. Doe. The situation remains confusing, and new court decisions continue to try to limit the TPS termination. USCIS has indicated that TPS beneficiaries will keep their status and work authorization during this period, but further changes are likely.

Employers and TPS beneficiaries should check EAD expiration dates and categories and continue monitoring the official USCIS SAVE page and the specific pages for other countries for the latest developments. Employers should accept the extended EADs for Form I-9 and E-Verify purposes.

We are closely following this matter and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

TPS recipients may have other immigration benefit options. Anyone losing TPS should consult with an immigration attorney immediately.

If you have questions about how these developments may affect your business or immigration status, contact BMD Member Rob Ratliff at raratliff@bmdllc.com.


FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.