National movement presses Congress to protect TPS for Haitians

A nationwide day of action was organized on July 9 among the Haitian diaspora and allies across nine cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami, Connecticut, Chicago, and San Diego, to urge Congress to preserve Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for Haitians.

Amid ongoing debate over TPS protections and the Trump administration’s efforts to end the program, lawmakers introduced legislation that would require the secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for TPS through April 20, 2029. Senate Bill 4814 was introduced on June 17 by U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey and co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other senators, including Lisa Blunt Rochester, Elizabeth Warren, Andy Kim, Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, and others.

TPS is a humanitarian immigration program established by Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990 that allows eligible nationals of designated countries already living in the United States to remain temporarily if conditions in their home countries make it unsafe to return because of armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. 

The legislative proposal follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could proceed with terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals, a decision that would affect more than 350,000 work-authorized individuals living in the United States. This determination sent shockwaves throughout the Haitian diaspora, especially among Haitian elected leaders, allies, and associates, the decision sparked urgent calls for action.

At the last minute, on Friday, July 10, the deadline to end TPS for Haitian nationals was extended by a federal court ruling, but only until July 24.

A rally was held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall on July 9 as part of the National Day of Action. The demonstration was led by Stephanie D. Delia, executive director of Little Haiti BK Inc.; Yolette Williams, president and CEO of Haitian American Alliance in partnership with Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York (HALANY);  New York Immigration Coalition; Haitian Bridge Alliance; Haitian Clergy Association; New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; and numerous community organizations. 

NYC Council Members Farah Louis, Rita Joseph, and Mercedes Narcisse stressed that Haiti continues to face severe humanitarian, political, and security crises, making mass deportations both dangerous and inhumane. They argued that extending TPS remains essential to protecting families who have built their lives in the United States while conditions in Haiti remain unstable.

“Today we stand in solidarity with all of you to fight and stand for what is right and stand against the Supreme Court ruling that puts 350,000 Haitians at risk,” said New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn as she addressed a large crowd of supporters that gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall.”

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams echoed Hermelyn and called on Congress to “act right now.”

“This is a terrifying moment for a lot of folks in the Haitian community,” Williams said. “We are sending people back to places that we have deemed people should not be traveling to.”

Although this mobilization was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling, it was also used as an opportunity to urge Congress to take action on the legislation because, if enacted, it would allow eligible Haitian nationals to continue living and working legally in the United States while Haiti remains affected by ongoing humanitarian, political, and security crises.

Signs reading “People Are Not Temporary” lined the steps of Borough Hall as supporters urged attendees to continue contacting members of the U.S. Senate in support of this legislation.  

“We’re encouraging every community member to call their senators because every call matters,” Delia said. “This legislation is critical to keeping families together and protecting people from being sent back to life-threatening conditions in Haiti.”

Yolette Williams emphasized that the fight extends beyond immigration policy. 

“This is about protecting families, protecting workers, and protecting our communities,” she said. “We are asking everyone to stand with the Haitian community and demand that Congress act.”

Stephanie D. Delia told Caribbean Life Newspaper that TPS holders should prepare for possible changes in immigration policy and be prepared to change their status. HALANY, Little Haiti BK, and Haitian American Alliance are currently assisting in preparedness guides, advising TPS recipients to organize important legal and financial documents and to seek assistance only from qualified immigration attorneys.

The rally drew a broad coalition of elected officials, notably U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler, a representative from the U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s office, and members of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON). 

“For every family living with fears and uncertainty, you belong here, this is your city and New York City will continue to stand with you,” said Faiza N. Ali, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.