The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti, Henry Wooster, spoke on Thursday, July 23, 2026, about the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals living in the United States.

The U.S. diplomat first recalled the very nature of the status, emphasizing the word “temporary,” which has characterized it since its creation. He noted that the measure was established in 2010 following the earthquake that severely affected Haiti. “This status was put in place in 2010 after the earthquake that greatly affected Haiti. After 16 years, these individuals are living in the United States of America under temporary status. That is well beyond most of the benefits and privileges granted by a temporary status,” the U.S. ambassador said during an end-of-mission press conference held at the U.S. Embassy in Tabarre. “They are Haitians. Haiti is their country,” the diplomat said.