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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.


DHS Ends All Employment Authorization Auto-Extensions

Effective October 30, 2025, DHS ends all automatic work authorization renewals. The 540-day extension applies only to renewals filed before this date, and there is no grace period for expired EADs filed on or after October 30. Employers must audit EADs, train staff, ensure I-9 compliance, and plan for work authorization gaps. Penalties for noncompliance can be severe.

CMS’s Rural Health Funding Announcement

CMS has announced a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. All states are eligible to apply for funding by November 5, 2025. Half of the funds will be distributed equally, with the remainder based on state-specific factors. The program supports evidence-based initiatives, workforce recruitment, and access to treatment services, with awards assessed annually

Expanding Access to Care: Ohio’s Effort to Modernize APRN Practice Through Ohio SB 258 and HB 508

Ohio is moving to expand access to healthcare through Senate Bill 258 and House Bill 508, which would modernize APRN practice by removing the outdated requirement for a physician contract. This change would allow nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists to provide care more efficiently, especially in underserved areas, while maintaining high-quality, cost-effective care.

Cleveland Joins the Pay Transparency Movement: What Employers Need to Know

Beginning October 27, 2025, all Cleveland employers with 15 or more employees will be prohibited from asking applicants about their pay history and will be required to include reasonable pay ranges in all job postings where the position will be performed, solicited, considered, or processed in Cleveland. The ordinance is intended to help close the gender wage gap and promote greater pay equity across the city.

New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Petitions – Legal Immigration

President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) imposing a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 21, 2025 and will remain in place for 12 months (unless extended).