Supreme Court ruling on Haitian TPS causes fear in York County

YORK, Pa. —

The Supreme Court’s decision to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians has left York County’s Haitian community, where thousands live, fearful of deportation and unable to work legally.

York’s Haitian community faces fear and uncertainty

“They’re feeling what can they lose since they cannot go to work. They fear being taken off by ICE,” said Rev. Gusmane Michel of First Haitian Church of York.

Michel said members of his congregation are scared to leave their homes as legal challenges continue and advocates push for an extension of TPS. He added that his church has limited resources to help families who feel increasingly frightened and are focused on survival.

“I’m feeling like, kind of alone. How can you see your family or your friends? People that you know of don’t have food and can’t go buy it. They’re scared,” Michel said. “So we are praying that the Lord can change a heart. I believe in the Lord and we will keep praying. That’s all we can do.”

DHS defends ending temporary protections

In a statement to the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security said, “Temporary protected status is exactly that — temporary. For too long, TPS has been allowed to function as a de facto amnesty program despite Congress never intending it to be permanent.”

Advocates warn Haiti remains unsafe

Advocates say tens of thousands of Haitians living in the U.S. now face a choice: stay and seek underground work while fearing deportation or return to Haiti, a country overwhelmed by gang violence and poverty.

TPS was first granted to Haitians after a devastating earthquake in 2010 and has been extended several times since.

Advocates argue it remains unsafe to return to Haiti, where nearly 1.5 million people have been displaced due to gang violence, and most Haitians rely on humanitarian aid.