TAMPA, Fla. — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Homeland Security from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, but the lack of a clear expiration date is now creating real-world consequences for workers in Florida.

What You Need To Know

Faith Academy Nursing School in Tampa serves aspiring nurses of all backgrounds, but administrators say some of their Haitian graduates working in health care can’t renew driver’s licenses or work authorization

A federal judge has blocked the Department of Homeland Security from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, but the lack of a clear expiration date is now creating real-world consequences for workers in Florida

The school trains certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses — positions already in short supply

Attorneys say in previous TPS cases, states issued temporary licenses while waiting for federal guidance — but without direction this time, many workers remain in limbo with no timeline for resolution

Faith Academy Nursing School in Tampa serves aspiring nurses of all backgrounds, but administrators say some of their Haitian graduates working in health care can’t renew their driver’s licenses or work authorization because verification systems have not been updated. Without valid identification, many cannot legally drive to work and, in some cases, cannot continue working at all.

The school trains certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses, positions already in short supply

“It’s a pleasure for Faith Academy to have them  because at this time the health care industry needs more people,” said Faith Academy Director Marie Riviere. 

Riviere says the uncertainty is now keeping some students and graduates from continuing their training or employment.

“With the license, they are unable to come to school,” she added. 

On Feb. 2, 2026, a federal judge blocked the Department of Homeland Security from terminating TPS for Haiti. However, state agencies still lack updated federal guidance, leaving document renewals stalled.

Immigration attorney John Dubrule says the court order created a legal gray area.

“The injunction has no time period established. So apparently, as far as they’re concerned, you know, they (DMV) can’t issue a driver’s license indefinitely,” Dubrule said. 

Instructor Marie Charles says losing a license affects nearly every part of daily life.

“You need your driver’s license to do everything,” said Charles. “Also, for the renewal of your lease, you need your driver’s license, everything you need, your driver’s license to be able to drive to and from work to basically wherever you go. That’s your ID. So removing your driver’s licenses, removing your ID.”

Charles says the issue extends beyond healthcare.

“Most immigrants, they are in the healthcare system. They are working in the restaurants. They’re working. Most of them are housekeepers in major companies. Who is going to do this work?” Chares said.

The Department of Homeland Security sent Spectrum Bay News 9 a statement saying in part:

“Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto asylum program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it for decades. TPS for Haiti was ended by Secretary Noem. While there is currently litigation on this termination, DHS continues to urge Haitians here under TPS to self-deport immediately using the CBP home app.”

Despite the uncertainty, the school says affected students will be welcomed back once documentation issues are resolved.

“We contribute by helping others, that is our goal,” said Riviere. 

Faith Academy says it does not receive federal funding and that students pay tuition without government assistance.

Attorneys say in previous TPS cases, states issued temporary licenses while waiting for federal guidance — but without direction this time, many workers remain in limbo with no timeline for resolution.