Following the catastrophic earthquake that rocked Haiti in 2010, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible Haitians already living in the United States because conditions in the country made it unsafe for them to return. Over a decade later in 2021, the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated creating a power vacuum that was exploited by gangs and ultimately plunged the country into political turmoil. The United States redesignated Temporary Protected Status to Haitians in 2021 and 2024 because the conditions in the country remained dangerous and unstable. Currently the Department of State advises Americans not to travel to Haiti for any reasondue to the risk of crime, kidnapping, unrest, and limited healthcare. Additionally, there are no commercial flights operating to or from Port-au-Prince to the US.
On July 27, the Trump administration terminated these TPS protections, leaving hundreds of thousands of Haitians vulnerable to immigration detention and deportation. For many families, this decision means that years of living, working, and building their lives in the United States are now overshadowed by uncertainty.
To receive TPS, individuals had to apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), pay filing fees of more than $500, submit documentation, and pass background checks. Today, 300,000 Haitians who were granted this legal status were living and working, lawfully, in the United States.
There has been extensive reporting on this development, but one interview I found especially informative was FAQ NYC‘s conversation with Murad Awawdeh, President of the New York Immigration Coalition. Beginning around the 27-minute mark, Murad explains the significance of the administration’s decision and what it means for Haitian families and communities.
Episode 507: “40,000 New Yorkers Lost Their Protections Today.”
Unfortunately, this decision is part of a broader effort by the administration to expand the number of people who are vulnerable to immigration detention and deportation. Regardless of immigration status, every family benefits from having a plan in place for emergencies.
Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP) has created a Family Emergency Plan: A Preparedness Workbook for Our Families and Communities. The workbook is currently available in six languages, with additional translations in development. During times like these—when a family’s legal circumstances can change quickly—having important documents organized, emergency contacts identified, and a plan in place can provide an added measure of security and peace of mind.