Letter: Berks Haitian community at risk.

Sometimes national news stories don’t feel very relevant to us in Berks County, especially when it comes to immigration enforcement. Most of us don’t see how people are detained in our community, nor do we learn what happens to them in detention.The same is true regarding the Trump administration’s cancellation of the Temporary Status Program and its effect on the Berks Haitian community. They have lost the protections of this humanitarian program initiated in 2010 after Haiti suffered a calamitous earthquake. For more than 16 years, these individuals have legally been able to live and work in the U.S. They have purchased homes, raised children and become integral parts of our workforce.

With TPS ending, Haitians in our community have lost their work permits, and many have been let go by their employers. They have no income and face possible deportation to Haiti, a country in economic chaos and racked with violence. Many haven’t lived there for years, and their American-born children have no idea what they are facing.

Again, most may shrug and think this situation doesn’t affect us — but it does. We are not only losing Haitian friends and neighbors but essential health care workers, employees in manufacturing, food processing, plant maintenance and many other jobs in Berks that require their skills and hard work.

While Congress could act to extend TPS, time has just about run out. Take notice: A humanitarian and economic crisis for our community and country is unfolding — one that never needed to happen.

Sen. Judy Schwank

Wyomissing

Schwank represents the 11th Senatorial District.