More than one million people currently living and working in the United States under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program face the threat of deportation following a recent Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for the Trump administration to terminate the humanitarian program. TPS allows individuals from designated countries affected by conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to reside and work legally in the United States.

Among those impacted are Salvadoran-born workers who have contributed to the maintenance and renovation of key federal sites around Washington, including the Capitol, the Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery. Haitian caregivers provide essential daily support to elderly Americans in senior living facilities across Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. These workers represent a significant portion of the U.S. labor force, particularly in sectors such as construction and healthcare.

An analysis by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that approximately 70% of TPS holders are actively employed. The initial phase of the program’s termination began on July 27, 2026, when about 350,000 TPS recipients from Haiti and several other countries lost their work authorizations. Following this, roughly 190,000 Salvadorans are expected to lose their protected status when it expires in September.

Alexander Arnon, director of policy analysis at the Penn Wharton Budget Model, emphasized the potential impact on certain industries and regions, stating that the sudden removal of tens of thousands of legal workers could result in significant disruptions. Economists note, however, that the overall workforce reduction may occur gradually, as individuals seek alternative immigration protections such as asylum or continue to work without authorization.

In response to the impending loss of TPS protections, business groups, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with bipartisan support from state and local officials, have called for legislative solutions to address the situation. They argue that preserving the status of these workers is critical to maintaining the stability of key industries and communities reliant on their contributions. As the program phases out, uncertainty persists for both TPS holders and the employers who depend on their labor.