March 4th 2025.
According to a report by NBC News, three advocacy organizations - Haitian-Americans United Inc., Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts, and UndocuBlack Network - have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an effort to prevent the early termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants living in the United States. The suit, which was filed on March 3rd, is a response to President Donald Trump's decision to roll back the TPS extension until February 2026, a move that was made by former President Joe Biden. Under this extension, Haitians were required to return to their home country by August 3rd and Venezuelans by April 2nd. The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration does not have the authority to revoke an extension that has already been granted.
In a statement, Mirian Albert, the senior attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights, who is representing the groups, emphasized the critical importance of TPS for immigrants. She stated, "TPS is a critical lifeline for immigrants who have fled extreme violence, political upheaval, and natural disasters in their home countries." This sentiment was echoed by many, including Haitian immigrant Paul Simon, who expressed his support for Trump but disagreed with the decision to revoke TPS. "He can't preemptively end something that has been granted to them," Simon said.
This lawsuit is just the first of many expected to come as a growing number of immigrants living in the United States are opposed to this move, even those who voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Many, like Paul Simon, believe that the 47th President will not be successful in this attempt. "I think he's going to fail at this," Simon stated. "I'm a pro-Trump guy, but I disagree with that. If someone's TPS is not going to expire until 2026, he shouldn't be able to boot them out until then."
In Massachusetts alone, nearly 30,000 Haitian immigrants have sought refuge after fleeing their country, which has been plagued by violence and political turmoil. According to WCVB, immigrant and mental health advocates are concerned that Trump's decision will have a significant impact beyond just the economy. Psychologist Dr. Carlot Celestin explained the state of depression that many Haitian immigrants are dealing with, with one young migrant even struggling with the idea of taking his own life if forced to return to Haiti.
Others are worried about what their lives will be like if TPS is taken away and they are forced to return to their home country. Haitian Domingueson Anglade shared his fears, saying, "When I think about the possibility of losing TPS, I immediately fall into a depression. Going to Haiti and living under pressure, I fear that bad things could happen to me." Executive Director of Haitian-Americans United Inc., Dieufort J. Fleurissaint, also expressed concerns about the sudden loss of legal status and the potential difficulties in finding alternative legal pathways in the United States.
Trump has openly attacked Haitians during his first term and continued to do so during the 2024 political cycle. The lawsuit also references a time when the president allegedly referred to Haiti and African nations as "s—hole countries" during a meeting with senators. While Trump denied these claims, his former running mate and former Ohio state senator J.D. Vance sparked rumors during the 2024 campaign that migrants living in the city of Springfield were resorting to eating neighborhood pets, including cats and dogs.
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