With the growing anxiety about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Life of Hope, one of New York’s largest Haitian-led organizations, has moved its English classes online.
“For now, there’s a fear, and we want to make sure the participants are safe,” said Porez Luxama, LOH’s executive director and co-founder.
Schools, places of worship, and hospitals were once considered “sensitive locations,” but those protections were removed by the new administration on Jan. 21. On Jan. 28, newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also revoked the 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension granted to Venezuelans, sparking concerns that similar actions could soon affect Haitians.
In New York, home to a large Haitian community, the surge in ICE activity has added to the climate of fear. The heightened enforcement has pushed many immigrants into the shadows, limiting their access to essential services like ESL classes.
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“A person cannot learn in a climate of anxiety and fear,” Luxama said. “When coming to the center, our students worry about encountering ICE agents, preventing them from being fully present, both physically and mentally. We felt it was unfair to let them face this insecurity, which is why we chose to hold virtual sessions to better support them.”
This marks the second time LOH has turned to Zoom for ESL classes. The first shift occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Luxama noted that this current transition presents a significant challenge for many clients.
“We have a community with low literacy rates, which makes the transition to Zoom difficult,” Luxama told Documented. “Some students adjust well, while others need help. When people feel comfortable moving around, they come to the office, and we install the app on their phones.”
Some students told Documented that switching to Zoom classes has been difficult. Many live in crowded homes where the environment is not conducive to learning. They said attending in person provided a dedicated space for education and a shared commitment among classmates, strengthening their motivation. The stronger immigration enforcement has taken a toll on their mental health.
“I feel deeply unsettled by all these deportation stories circulating. When I’m at home, it’s hard to concentrate — I don’t really have space. And all this talk of deportations weighs on our minds. I feel like I’ve lost my smile,” said Jethro, who came to New York in June 2024 under the CHNV program.
Jean-Marie, 55, echoed similar concerns.
“We have no choice but to accept it with open arms because we see what’s happening,” he said. “However, it’s a difficult and complicated system to adapt to since we’re not used to it. I miss the atmosphere of my classmates and the opportunity to build connections. We’re trying to keep working, but mentally, we’re not in the right place.”
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Jean-Marie arrived in New York in 2023 through the CBP One app and applied for asylum. His court appearance is scheduled for 2027. As he waits to see a judge, he said his fears grow daily, especially after hearing widespread claims that ICE can apprehend and deport any migrant. But the Trump administration asserts that ICE raids targets only immigrants with criminal records. However, reports indicate that recent operations have also resulted in the detention of individuals without criminal histories.
The surge of Haitian immigrants fleeing escalating violence in Haiti has intensified the strain on organizations like LOH, which are grappling with limited resources. Many arrived through the southern U.S. border between 2021 and 2023, seeking refuge from the worsening conditions in their home country.
Thousands of Haitians have entered the U.S. through the CHNV parole program, introduced by the Biden administration in January 2023 to provide temporary humanitarian relief. But its future remains uncertain. By December 2024, over 213,000 Haitians had been vetted for entry under this program, and around 200,000 live in the U.S. under TPS. In June 2024, after the Biden administration extended and redesignated Haiti for TPS, the Department of Homeland Security estimates that an additional 309,000 Haitians will be eligible. However, the future of these programs is uncertain under the Trump administration’s push to dismantle protections such as CHNV parole and TPS.
The ongoing wave of immigration enforcement has disrupted many other LOH’s services, including case management, CPR classes, and after-school programs. The increasing climate of fear and the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies have taken a toll on these vital programs. Attendance at the organization’s food pantry has also dropped drastically.
“We usually have about 250 people coming for food distribution, but we’ve seen a sharp decline, with only about 60 showing up now,” Luxama said.
In addition to providing virtual classes, LOH has also been fielding frequent calls from clients seeking updates on the new Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. Despite offering a safe space as a community center, Luxama acknowledged that immigration authorities can access the space at any time.
“It’s a cyclone, we can’t go inside right now. We don’t know how long it will last, so we’re monitoring the situation,” Luxama said.
The shift to virtual services is particularly significant for immigrants, for whom in-person gatherings are essential in maintaining a sense of community. “That’s why it’s crucial for people to stay connected, so they continue to feel the presence of a permanent community,” Luxama said.
In 2023, Life of Hope served over 800 immigrants, with more than 300 registering for ESL classes. As the administration moves forward with its immigration policies, Luxama and other advocates are urging Haitian immigrants to stay informed, seek legal assistance, and develop strategies to navigate the uncertain road ahead.
“When immigrants are at risk, we must reach out, offer services within our capacity, and provide support. We must not abandon them,” Luxama said. “It’s our duty to go to their homes, deliver services, and find ways to offer them moral support.”
