NEW YORK, NY – Today, New York City Council Member Farah Louis joined City Council colleagues, local and state legislators, community advocates, and clergy leaders to stand in solidarity with the Haitian community and demand permanent protections for Haitian nationals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Trump Administration’s decision to terminate TPS by August 2025 threatens to uproot families, disrupt livelihoods, and force thousands back to a country in crisis.

Haiti remains gripped by widespread violence, political instability, and economic turmoil, creating significant risks for those forced to return. Armed groups control much of the capital, and humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. The United Nations and human rights organizations have warned that deporting individuals under these circumstances would put lives at serious risk.

Since the 2010 earthquake, Haitian TPS holders have built their lives in the United States, contributing significantly to their communities and local economies. In New York alone, more than 15,000 residents rely on TPS protections. They work in essential industries, support local businesses, and pay more than $260 million in taxes. Stripping them of these protections would not only endanger their futures but also destabilize the communities that depend on them.

Speakers at the rally called on Congress to act swiftly to provide permanent protections for Haitian TPS holders. They emphasized that legislative action is essential to prevent mass deportations by the Trump Administration. 

“We will not remain silent while Haitian families in Brooklyn and beyond are threatened. The Trump Administration’s cruel decision to terminate TPS for Haitian nationals ignores Haiti’s dire reality and puts families who have built their lives here in jeopardy,” said Council Member Farah Louis. “This isn’t about policy—it’s about cruelty. Stripping their protections would destabilize lives and communities. We are here to fight for what is right: ensuring Haitian TPS recipients can continue to live and work with dignity, respect, and security.”

“The Trump Administration’s decision to revoke TPS for Haitians is a direct attack on the thousands of families who have built their lives here, contributing to our communities and local economy. This reckless and cruel decision puts Haitians at risk of deportation, forcing them to return to a country still reeling from political and economic turmoil,” said New York Immigration Coalition President and CEO Murad Awawdeh. “Haitian New Yorkers are our neighbors, teachers, home health aides, and more. They deserve stability, not the constant threat of being torn away from their families and community at a moment’s notice based on nothing but politics. This is yet another example of Trump pushing his mass deportation agenda at any cost, by dismantling the legal protections that have allowed families to live with dignity. The New York Congressional Delegation must act now to provide permanent protections for all TPS holders and stand with immigrant communities against these cruel policies.” 

“Let’s continue to fight to protect legal Haitian immigrants that are here on Temporary Protective Status (TPS) that have been contributing to our city, state, and country. Reports show that TPS holders in New York contribute over $300 million in tax revenue annually,” said New York State Assembly Member Clyde Vanel. “We must work hard to find a permanent solution for the legal status of these hard-working individuals who contribute so much to our state. Thank you, Jumaane Williams and Council Member Farah Louis.”

“I am excited to support Council Member Louis and am thankful that she is allowing our voices to work together to help Haitian Americans who have benefited from TPS,” said Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages. “It is very important that we ask the federal Administration to reconsider their decision to cancel TPS. It is also very imperative that we reach out to Congress and ask them to make a permanent pathway for those who benefited from TPS. I agree with the Council Member that this is 100% not just an immigration issue—this is a human rights issue. We must do everything we can as well to support nonprofit organizations that are giving immigration assistance to immigrants.”

“We are proud to partner with Council Member Louis and applaud her, our electeds, and neighbors who stand strong to protect the TPS for our Haitian brothers and sisters. This Administration’s promise of mass deportations and revoking Haitians’ TPS status will have a devastating impact on the families in our community. These are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends,” said Flatbush Development Corporation Executive Director Robin Redmond. “DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the TPS system has been ‘exploited and abused for years.’ Well, this decision will throw our families back into a country where they will be exploited and abused for years. This is not the American way.”

“All decent people with a voice and a platform must speak now and be counted among those who resist this terroristic injustice,” said Housing Works Chief Psychiatric Officer Pierre R. Arty, M.D. “We have to stand together. If you think that somehow your group will not suffer from the decisions of this Administration, you are so very wrong. We will all suffer.”

“The recent termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the Trump administration, now set to expire on August 3, 2025, instead of February 3, 2026, threatens to separate families, disrupt lives, and cast a dark shadow over the vibrant businesses that are the heartbeat of our Little Haiti BK neighborhood as residents stay home due to fear, however, in the face of adversity, the Haitian community stands resilient,” said Little Haiti BK Executive Director Stephanie Delia. “It is in these challenging times that our unity and determination shine brightest. Together, we will navigate these uncertainties, support one another, and continue to enrich the cultural tapestry of our city.”

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