The International Institute of New England strongly opposes the suspension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for roughly half a million Haitian immigrants by August 3, 2025—the latest in several rounds of federal legislation that unjustly target refugee and immigrant populations who came to our country through legal pathways. In recent years, IINE has proudly provided access to housing, legal services, ESOL classes, and employment support to more than 16,000 Haitian individuals who have come to Massachusetts to find safety and stability and reunite with family and friends.
El TPS se concede a una población cuando no es seguro que regrese a su país de origen debido a un conflicto armado en curso o a la inestabilidad causada por catástrofes naturales. Se revoca cuando estas circunstancias han cambiado y las condiciones ya no son inseguras. No hay pruebas de que éste sea el caso de Haití, que sigue asolado por la violencia de las bandas, los secuestros, la hambruna, la escasez de agua y otras amenazas continuas.
The decision to revoke the TPS extension is unjust, targeting families and individuals who followed a legal pathway to seek refuge. After enduring harrowing journeys—often on foot across treacherous terrain—to come to the U.S., they willingly provided their information to the federal government and were granted legal permission to stay. Now they face the threat of deportation as repayment. To strip them of their work authorizations and legal protections, and to force them back to the nightmarish conditions from which they fled is inhumane.
This decision is devastating for all who call the U.S. home. Massachusetts alone hosts the third largest Haitian population in the U.S., including more than 45,000 Haitians with TPS. They are our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and essential workers. Among them is Santiagoson, a Haitian immigrant who spends his days working at HD Supply as a Warehouse Associate and his evenings studying English at IINE to grow his language skills as quickly as possible. He recently received a “Bronze Award” from his employer in recognition of his outstanding work and is now planning to pursue a master’s degree in supply-chain management and logistics. Like thousands of Haitian immigrants, Santiagoson is building a future not just for himself, but for the community and country that benefits from his hard work.
The suspension of TPS for Haitian immigrants will upend lives, tear families apart, and weaken the very communities these individuals have helped strengthen. The International Institute of New England remains committed to standing in solidarity and continuing to support the Haitian immigrant community in every way we can.
