Elmont Haitian TPS holders face uncertainty over immigration status | Herald Community Newspapers

As Haitian immigrants — such as those living or working in Elmont under Temporary Protected Status — face uncertainty over their future in the United States, community members are expressing concerns while advocates have urged them to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and prepare for possible changes. 

 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 25 that the Trump administration may proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, allowing the government to move forward with terminating deportation protections and work authorization for affected immigrants while legal challenges continue. There are currently hundreds of Haitian TPS holders living in Elmont and over 300,000 living across the United States.

 

A Haitian TPS holder who asked to be identified only by the alias Marie recently expressed anxiety, explaining that she has been saddened by the uncertainty surrounding the program. She encouraged members of the Haitian community to continue supporting one another and helping those who may feel overwhelmed.

 

“I am sad about the situation,” Marie told the Herald in a phone interview, through interpreter Claire Leon. 

 

She added that maintaining unity within the community is important as families navigate the uncertainties.

 

“So, we have to stay united and stay together and support each other so they will not lose hope, that they stay safe, and hopefully something will come through for them,” Marie said through the interpreter. 

 

Leon, an activist and healthcare worker from Valley Stream, said many Haitian immigrants came to the United States seeking safety, stability and a better future, but now fear losing the opportunities they worked to build. 

 

Many immigrants make significant sacrifices to come to the United States because they believe in the promise of a better life, Leon added.

 

She said many TPS holders now feel the American dream they pursued is at risk and that returning to Haiti is not a safe option for many because of ongoing gang violence and instability. 

 

“Now the American dream that everybody was wishing for is being taken away from them, and they don’t have anything to go back to,” Leon said.

 

She added that fear has also prevented some immigrants from sharing their stories publicly. 

Concerns from Haitian TPS holders were also addressed during a July 7 virtual information session hosted by siblings Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, both of whom represent Elmont.

 

The virtual session brought together immigration advocates, attorneys and community leaders to provide updates and legal resources following recent court developments involving TPS. 

 

Speakers emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision does not immediately end TPS protections or work authorization for Haitian immigrants and encouraged residents to rely on trusted legal resources rather than misinformation. 

 

Eric Freeman, a representative of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said TPS holders should use this time to prepare by learning their rights, consulting licensed immigration attorneys and determining whether they may qualify for other forms of relief. 

 

“The Supreme Court’s decision does not instantly end TPS protections and work authorizations for Haitian TPS,” Freeman said. “It is not time to panic. It is time to prepare.” 

 

Freeman encouraged families to create emergency plans and remain informed as legal proceedings continue. 

 

Julia Miller, supervising attorney at the Central American Refugee Center, Long Island’s largest immigration legal services provider, echoed the importance of seeking legal advice, even for individuals who have previously spoken with an attorney about their immigration status.

 

She said changing circumstances in Haiti and changes in a person’s individual situation could affect eligibility for other forms of immigration relief, including protections available to victims of trafficking, victims of crime or other programs. 

 

Miller also warned residents about immigration scams, saying fraudulent services have become increasingly sophisticated. She advised TPS holders to verify that anyone offering legal assistance is a licensed attorney or accredited representative and to be cautious of promises that seem too good to be true.

 

Rodney Pepe-Souvenir, president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, said his organization has continued to conduct Know Your Rights workshops and family preparedness trainings for immigrant communities. 

 

He encouraged families to consider creating legal guardianship plans for children in case parents are detained or removed from the country.

 

“We’re urging everyone to look at guardianship, find someone in your family group or in your community that you truly, truly trust, that you would want to leave your children with,” Pepe-Souvenir said.

 

He also encouraged TPS holders and supporters to advocate for federal legislation that would create a pathway to permanent legal status for TPS recipients.

 

“We need to be talking every single day to our constituents and to our brothers and sisters who need this help,” he said.