Massachusetts leaders are roundly denouncing the Trump administration's announcement on Feb. 20 that will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) this October for an estimated 500,000 Haitians now living with permission in the United States.
The order from Trump's newly-appointed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem "amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025."
“Donald Trump’s decision to rip away protections for Haitians who are legally in the United States is shameful," said US Sen. Elizabeth Warren. "Haiti is not safe right now and Haitians with TPS are here legally after fleeing unfathomable violence and instability. These individuals have legal status and are actively contributing to our communities, something I’ve seen firsthand in Massachusetts. Revoking TPS for Haitians will harm up to half a million of our neighbors and devastate communities. The United States made a promise to these families, and the President should honor that promise and reverse this decision immediately."
Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune called the decision an "assault against the American people and immigrant communities."
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley issued a joint statement with other members of the Haiti Caucus in the House of Represetatives, Rep. Yvette Clarke on New York and and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida.
“With Haiti continuing to grapple with unspeakable violence and a horrific humanitarian, political, and economic crisis, this is a shameful decision that could be a death sentence for more than 500,000 Haitian nationals living in the United States,” the three members of Congress said. “Haitians who have lived in the United States for up to 15 years, raised children, started businesses, and contributed to their communities are at risk of deportation for no reason other than being Haitian. We should be doing everything possible to save lives and bring stability and safety to Haiti—not throwing vulnerable people in harm’s way. We urge the Trump Administration to immediately reverse this cruel and callous decision.”