Geslain Luma, a Haitian immigrant, received temporary protected status in the U.S. the same day President Trump announced plans to end the program by August 2025. The decision has left over 500,000 Haitian immigrants uncertain about their future, forcing them to choose between fighting for legal status or returning to a country plagued by violence and instability.
Since President Moïse’s assassination in 2021, armed gangs have taken over much of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread violence, homelessness, and starvation. Over 5,600 people were killed and 1,400 kidnapped in gang conflicts last year alone. The situation has forced 1 million people in Haiti to become homeless, exacerbating the country’s economic challenges.
The decision to end TPS has left many Haitian immigrants in fear of deportation, with deep roots in communities like Brooklyn where at least 160,000 Haitian people reside. The Evangelical Crusade Christian Church in Flatbush has provided support and services to Haitian immigrants for decades.
Abigail Desravines, a Haitian immigrant who came to the U.S. following the 2010 earthquake, emphasized that living under TPS comes with hurdles and instability, despite providing protection. The end of the program will disrupt the lives of TPS holders who have jobs, attend school, and contribute to their communities.
Immigrant advocacy groups are advocating for legislative action to protect TPS holders and provide a pathway to residency for those who have lived in the U.S. for years. Nicolas, a pastor in Brooklyn, hopes that Congress or President Trump will show compassion and recognize that Haiti is not a place these people can return to.
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