02/05/2026

Federal Court Pause on Haiti TPS Raises Immediate Workforce Concerns for Ohio Providers

A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, preserving work authorization while a legal challenge moves forward. This pause comes amid concerns about increased immigration enforcement in Ohio, particularly in Springfield. 

During the pause, individuals covered by Haiti TPS remain authorized to work under existing USCIS guidance. However, the court’s decision is not permanent and could change quickly depending on future rulings in the case. 

Even with the pause in place, fear of immigration enforcement—separate from TPS eligibility—is already affecting staffing in some states in light of increased deportations in Minnesota. Providers have reported increased call-outs and employee reluctance to commute to work, even without confirmed ICE activity inside facilities, according to a February 5th report from McKnight’s Senior Living.

Looking ahead, the lawsuit challenging the TPS termination will continue in federal court, and a future decision could reinstate the termination with little notice. Employers should expect additional updates or clarifications through USCIS policy alerts or DHS announcements as the case progresses. 

While ICE raids in long-term care facilities have been rare, it's important to note that the Trump administration rescinded the 'Protected Areas' policy in January 2025, originally established in 2011, which had limited immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as hospitals and healthcare facilities. 

What to Do

• Communicate clearly with employees about what the court order does—and does not—do, using plain-language USCIS guidance.
• Review Form I-9 practices now to ensure compliance and check that I-9s are properly completed and stored. 
• Please note that this does not mean re-verifying employees because of current immigration news. Targeted re-verification based on nationality, citizenship status, or “risk” is unlawful- more information on this can be found using ICE guidance for employers on Form I-9 and worksite enforcement.
• Connect employees to legal help, not legal advice, by sharing recognized nonprofit immigration legal services.

Additional resources for employers are available through the National Immigration Law Center, and guidance on creating an Immigration Enforcement policy is available here. If your organization is experiencing similar workforce disruptions or would like additional information, please contact LeadingAge Ohio’s Director of Workforce Development, Randi Hamill, at rhamill@leadingageohio.org