New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined forces with 18 other attorneys general to challenge the Trump administration's move to remove Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. The coalition argues that rescinding TPS would endanger many Haitians, separate families, and harm local economies.
In an effort to protect these immigrants, Attorney General James has submitted an amicus brief requesting that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York maintain TPS for the affected individuals, including the over 5,400 Haitian TPS holders residing in New York City. "Revoking Haitians' legal immigration status that has kept them safe with their families in the U.S. is cruel and dangerous," Attorney General James remarked. She highlighted the vital contributions of Haitian immigrants to local communities and economies.
TPS for Haitians was initially granted following the devastating earthquake in 2010, amid ongoing political instability and other hazardous conditions in Haiti. Despite the persistent challenges, the Trump administration has moved to terminate TPS, effectively putting many Haitians at risk of deportation. The coalition's amicus brief for the case Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association v. Donald J. Trump argues that the administration's decision failed to account for the dangers in Haiti and, if implemented, would significantly disrupt the lives of numerous TPS holders and their families.
The potential TPS termination could also negatively impact local economies, particularly in states like New York, where Haitian immigrants fulfill essential roles in sectors such as healthcare and construction. These individuals contribute significantly through their workforce participation and financial input. Attorney General James expressed concern for families who could face forced separation or be driven into an uncertain and illegal status within the United States.
This move follows Attorney General James's recent involvement in opposing the Trump administration's attempts to revoke TPS for both Haitian and Venezuelan immigrants. Twenty other jurisdictions have joined her in the fight against these policy changes, illustrating broad support among states for maintaining the protections afforded by TPS.