NY – Caribbean American Lawmakers Applaud Court Ruling Halting Termination of TPS for Haitians

2026-02-05 - 16:48

Caribbean American legislators in New York are welcoming a federal court ruling that temporarily blocks the Trump administration’s move to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, calling the decision a critical victory for justice, immigrant families, and the rule of law. U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke and New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn joined labor unions and immigration advocates on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in applauding the decision by U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes of the District of Columbia. The ruling pauses the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) plan to end TPS protections for Haitians, which had been scheduled to take effect shortly after midnight on Monday. Judge Reyes rejected DHS’s motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed by Haitian TPS holders and ordered that TPS protections remain in place until the case is fully resolved. More than 350,000 Haitian nationals were at risk of losing legal status and facing possible deportation. “I am deeply grateful that U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes halted the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, protecting more than 350,000 Haitian TPS holders who were at risk of deportation,” said Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and a longtime advocate for Haitian TPS. Clarke, who represents Brooklyn’s 9th Congressional District and chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, emphasized that worsening political instability, humanitarian devastation, and rampant gang violence in Haiti make forced returns unconscionable. “While this is not the end of the fight, today brings relief,” Clarke said. “For the time being, Haitian nationals can remain in their homes, contribute to their communities, live without fear, and continue building hopeful futures. But they deserve more than temporary relief—the work for permanent safety continues.” Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants and chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said the ruling effectively nullifies the TPS termination “for now” and preserves existing protections, benefits, and work authorization for Haitian TPS holders. “This is a huge win for justice,” said Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents Brooklyn’s 42nd Assembly District. “I am grateful to Judge Reyes for standing up for humanity and condemning reckless and unjust actions that would have torn apart thousands of families and sent them back to a crisis zone.” She cautioned, however, that the legal battle is ongoing and urged continued vigilance against efforts to overturn the ruling. New York Attorney General Letitia James also praised the decision, calling it a major victory for New York’s Haitian community. James noted that she led a coalition of attorneys general urging the court to block what she described as an unlawful attempt to strip hundreds of thousands of immigrants of legal status. “This ruling protects families across our state from being torn apart,” James said. “And I will continue fighting to defend the rights of Haitian immigrants.” Labor leaders echoed that sentiment. Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ SEIU—one of the nation’s largest property service workers unions—said the court’s decision was a forceful rejection of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s attempt to end TPS for Haitians, including many union members. “Although we expect the administration to appeal, we are relieved by this reprieve and renewed in our determination to fight all unjust TPS terminations,” Pastreich said, adding that Haiti remains too unsafe for return, a fact acknowledged even by the U.S. State Department. Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, called the ruling a lifeline for more than 350,000 workers and families nationwide, including an estimated 125,000 Haitian New Yorkers. He noted that Judge Reyes found the administration likely acted with hostility toward nonwhite immigrants and failed to meaningfully consider conditions in Haiti. “Our Haitian neighbors are essential to the social and economic fabric of New York and the nation,” Awawdeh said, while calling on Congress to enact permanent protections for TPS holders. In her 83-page opinion, Judge Reyes ruled that Secretary Noem lacked the authority to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation and failed to account for the legal presence and economic contributions of Haitian TPS holders. She also wrote that the decision appeared motivated by racial animus rather than reasoned policymaking. The Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner law firm, which represented the plaintiffs, said the ruling ensures Haitian TPS holders can remain in the United States as intended by Congress, continuing to support their families and communities. The Trump administration, however, has vowed to appeal. “Temporary means temporary,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, criticizing what she described as judicial overreach. Advocates warn that the fight is far from over. Haitian Bridge Alliance and more than 300 labor, civil rights, faith, and community organizations recently urged the administration to reverse course, citing Haiti’s ongoing state collapse, mass displacement, and extreme violence. According to advocacy groups, Haitians with TPS are overwhelmingly employed, contribute billions in taxes, and play vital roles in healthcare, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and other essential sectors. As the legal battle continues, Caribbean American leaders and immigrant advocates say the ruling offers critical breathing room—but stress that only permanent legislative solutions will provide lasting security for Haitian families.