Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026

This legislation establishes a pathway for certain Haitian nationals to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residence in the United States. Eligible individuals must apply within three years of the act's enactment and demonstrate continuous physical presence in the U.S. since June 26, 2024. The bill also extends eligibility to the spouses, children, and unmarried sons or daughters of qualifying Haitian nationals. While generally requiring admissibility, the bill waives specific grounds of inadmissibility for applicants. However, individuals are ineligible if they have been convicted of an aggravated felony , two or more crimes involving moral turpitude, or have participated in persecution. Importantly, the bill allows individuals with existing orders of exclusion, deportation, or removal to apply, with successful applications leading to the cancellation of such orders. The legislation provides for a stay of removal for applicants and mandates work authorization if an application is pending for more than 180 days without a denial. Upon approval, a record of permanent residence is established as of the applicant's date of arrival in the United States. The act ensures that the adjustment of status does not reduce the number of immigrant visas available to others and provides for administrative and judicial review of decisions, aligning with existing immigration law procedures.