A Miami immigration attorney, who represents many immigrant families, including the Haitian community, expressed great relief at the newest court decision surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the U.S.
Late Monday, U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes put a pause on the order from Homeland Security’s Kristi Noem, giving Haitians all over the country— but especially in South Florida— a moment to breathe.
“I am so relieved that the federal courts have stepped in and stopped the termination of TPS for Haitians, even if it is on a temporary basis,” said Miami immigration attorney Patricia Elizee. “I am hopeful that the community’s efforts will push the executive branch or congress to take action.”
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians was supposed to expire on Tuesday.
Haiti has been a TPS-designated country since 2010, when an earthquake devastated the region. Over the years since then, hundreds of thousands of Haitians have fled the country to the U.S in search of a safer place.
The attempt to end Haitian TPS– a government program that protects immigrants from designated countries the U.S considers unsafe for them – comes as part of a larger immigration crackdown from the Trump Administration.
Though the government plans to send people back, the U.S State Department still lists Haiti as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” country.
“Haiti is extremely unstable,” said Elizee. “[It] is not in a position to handle so many people being deported back. The government doesn’t function like it should, it can’t protect its people. Gangs run the country.”
Even before the ruling by Reyes, who was appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden in 2023, many Haitian TPS recipients were turning to the community and seeking legal advice, especially in South Florida.
Elizee warned the community to “prepare.”
“They’re losing their work permits, driver licenses, facing deportation and are just under a lot of pressure,” said Elizee.
A lawyer for 15 years who was born in Haiti but raised in Miami, Elizee understands the dangers and the cultural nuances of the times.
She urges all her clients as well as any Haitian with TPS to know their rights and seek counsel, whether from herself or another lawyer.
“Being Haitian myself,” said Elizee, “I am in a situation where I can really understand the cultural dynamics, so I can do a better job framing the case and understanding it faster.”
That cultural connection is beneficial to both Elizee and her Haitian clients.
Community centers and social services providers also play a vital role in this uncertain time for the Haitian community. Places like Family Action Network Movement (FANM) and Sant La provide people with advice and assistance.
“Our mission is to uplift the Haitian community,” said Thamara Labrousse, executive director At Sant La, a non-profit organization that provides Haitians with access to everything from information to consultations with immigration attorneys to therapy for both families and individuals, especially during these uncertain times.
“There’s just a lot of fear and anxiety around what’s going to happen,” said Labrousse.
Haitian people make up a significant portion of Miami’s population, contributing to the community and economy in many ways, including as nurses and teachers, as well as being friends and family.
“We depend on these individuals as well,” said Labrousse. “It impacts healthcare workers, home health aids, construction workers, hospitality and service employees, and small businesses owners. It’s going to create an employment gap.”
“Their lives are at stake,” said Elizee. “Families with U.S citizen children or parents, other dependents… if you have social security, bank accounts, credit cards, court cases. It’s all at risk.”
Another factor contributing to the unrest felt within the Haitian community is Florida’s agreement to be part of the 287g program between local police and ICE, which allows local officers to perform some ICE duties (with their oversight).
The Haitian community is both anxious and afraid. It’s difficult for the average person to know what to do, or how to help.
“This is a direct result of people not showing up to vote,” said Elizee. “Now we have a new administration that is aggressively pushing their deportation policies, targeting people like Haitians and Venezuelans.”
“And now [people] are outraged,” she continued. “This is happening because we allowed it to take place. There are midterm elections this year— vote.” Elizee urged.
Without TPS, many Haitian immigrants would find themselves at an impasse.
“If you want to see a change, you need to vote,” said Elizee. “In the meantime, get involved, call your reps. Tell them you don’t like what you’re seeing.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated.
