News Summary
The Trump administration has announced the termination of legal protections for Haitian migrants, risking deportation for thousands. The temporary protected status (TPS), established after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, will end soon, despite the ongoing violence and unrest in Haiti. Community leaders express concern over the impact on Haitian families, many of whom face legal challenges and financial strains. The situation remains dire, as the U.S. government continues to enforce strict deportation rules amidst escalating violence in Haiti.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Trump administration announced on June 27 that it will terminate legal protections for Haitian migrants, putting thousands at risk of deportation. The temporary protected status (TPS) granted to these individuals will officially end on September 2, 2021, impacting more than 1,000 Haitian migrants living in Rhode Island alone.
Bernard Georges, the founder and executive director of New Bridges for Haitian Success in Providence, expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the administration’s decision. He highlighted the expected level of sympathy for the Haitian people, given the current challenges in their homeland, and underscored the dire circumstances facing many migrants.
The TPS designation was established following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, and has been extended multiple times due to ongoing crises. However, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security stated that conditions in Haiti have sufficiently improved to allow citizens to return. Georges strongly disputes this claim, asserting that lawlessness and gang violence in Haiti have escalated dangerously.
According to reports, gang members in Haiti are regularly killing individuals and coercing others into joining their ranks under the threat of violence. Given these conditions, deporting individuals back to Haiti would mean sending them into a country rife with dangers. Nationwide, over half a million Haitians are poised to lose their TPS status, adding to the uncertainty surrounding their future in the U.S.
In Rhode Island, the Haitian community has seen growth, with approximately 9,250 to 10,000 individuals currently residing there, up from around 8,000 in previous years. This growing population is grappling with fear and hesitancy to voice their concerns in light of the new policy. Many within the community are actively seeking asylum but face daunting challenges, such as high legal costs, averaging about $1,500, without any guaranteed success in their applications.
Though some migrants do hold valid work permits until next year, many employers, including major companies like Amazon and Walmart, are preemptively terminating positions, creating additional financial strain. Georges, through New Bridges for Haitian Success, which was established in 2013, has been working to provide various services to Haitians, including education and job skills development.
To further assist those at risk of homelessness following the termination of TPS, Georges proposed a transitional housing initiative aimed at securing $850,000 in funding. However, funding for this proposal was not included in the state’s budget, leaving many Thai migrants vulnerable and uncertain about their next steps.
As the situation remains critical, women and children from Haiti are notably at high risk amidst the ongoing violence and dangers in their country. Recent tragic events, such as a boat accident off the coast of the Bahamas, underscore the perilous journeys many undertake to seek refuge in the U.S. Survivors reported paying between $3,000 and $8,000 for such voyages, highlighting the desperation faced by many Haitians.
Following the recent tragedy, where 17 individuals lost their lives and many more went missing when a boat carrying refugees capsized, the stakes have never been higher. The U.S. Coast Guard has since intercepted and returned over 6,100 Haitians at sea since October 2021, illustrating a significant increase in attempts to migrate as individuals flee their homeland under dire circumstances.
The U.S. government continues to expel the majority of migrants under a pandemic rule that allows for swift deportations without processing claims for asylum. With the termination of TPS and increasing challenges facing the Haitian community, the future remains uncertain for thousands of individuals seeking safety and stability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
DHS Announces End to Temporary Protected Status for Haitians
Supreme Court Ruling Threatens Lives of Over 532,000 Immigrants
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Trump Administration Terminates TPS for Haitians
- Providence Journal: Immigrant’s Story of Perseverance
- ICIHaiti: 21 Haitians Arrested in Bahamas
- New York Times: Deportation of Haitians from Bahamas
- ABC News: Boat Capsizes Off Bahamas, 17 Haitian Migrants Killed
- Wikipedia: Haiti
- Google Search: Haitian Migrants
- Google Scholar: Haitian Refugees
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Haiti
- Google News: Haitian Migrants
