Late last Friday, outside St. Jerome Church in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn, dozens of Haitian immigrants, elected officials, and allies gathered to show solidarity for the tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants in New York and across the United States who are at risk of losing their Temporary Protected Status.
In February, the Trump administration rescinded TPS for Haitians, a decision that threatens to uproot more than 50,000 families who have called the U.S. home for years.
They held signs reading “Keep Haitian Families Together” and “Haitians Deserve Safety, Not Deportation,” chanting, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”Outside St. Jerome Church in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn, dozens of Haitian immigrants, elected officials, and allies gathered, holding signs.
The rally, organized by local Haitian-American leaders and community groups, called for the restoration of TPS and highlighted the devastating impact its termination would have on families, businesses and communities across the United States, especially in New York City.
TPS, a humanitarian program that allows individuals from countries facing crises to live and work legally in the U.S., has been a lifeline for over 500,000 Haitians since President Obama granted the status following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The Trump administration’s decision to rescind the program has left many fearing deportation to a country still grappling with political instability, gang violence and economic collapse. As of September 2024, over 68,000 TPS holders were living in New York, according to a Congressional Research Service report.
The rally began with a reminder of what was at stake.
“Ending TPS will tear families apart,” said DJ Hard Hitin’ Harry, the event’s emcee, as he addressed the crowd. “Many TPS holders have U.S.-born children. Where will they go?”
Attendees held signs reading “Keep Haitian Families Together” and “Haitians Deserve Safety, Not Deportation,” chanting, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”
Stephanie Delia, executive director of Little Haiti BK Cultural and Business District, reminded attendees of Haiti’s historical resilience. “We are the first Black republic,” she said. “We have been fighting for a long time and when we fight, we don’t lose.”
Delia, who is also an immigration attorney, emphasized solidarity, urging the broader New York community to stand with Haitian immigrants. “Haitians cannot fight alone. We need you. We appreciate you. We know you’ve got our back. We are your friends, your neighbors, your business partners. We’re in this together and as long as we’re in this together, we will win,” she said
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams drew parallels between the current struggle and historical injustices, framing the fight as part of a broader pattern of systemic oppression. “This is xenophobic, this is biased, this is racist,” Williams said. “They are trying to erase entire communities. We cannot let that happen.”
Williams also criticized the Trump administration’s foreign policy, which he argued has exacerbated the crises in Haiti and other countries. “We make foreign policy that makes these countries worse and then we want to send people back having done nothing to help. What is that? Who does that?” he said.
Elected officials stand in solidarity
Elected officials joined the rally, voicing their support for the Haitian community and calling for immediate action to restore TPS. City Council member Mercedes Narcisse, who is Haitian-American, highlighted the human cost of the policy shift.
“Haiti is in crisis. Armed gangs control large parts of the country, including Port-au-Prince. Over a million people have been forced from their homes. Sending TPS holders back now is not just wrong. It’s cruel and irresponsible,” she said.
Council member Rita Joseph, a daughter of Haitian immigrants, urged Congress to create a pathway to permanent residency for TPS holders. “Haitians belong here,” Joseph said. “They’ve built their lives here. They are part of the very fabric of New York City. We are stronger together.”
Joseph also emphasized the economic contributions of Haitian immigrants, many of who work as teachers, nurses, construction workers and small business owners. “TPS holders have been paying taxes and contributing to our communities for over 15 years,” she said. “Taking away this protection is not just a blow to them. It’s a blow to our city.”
A call to action
The rally also served as a call to action for federal and local leaders. Senator Zellnor Myrie, representing Brooklyn, framed the fight as a battle against injustice. “We have a bully in the White House. As New Yorkers, we will never shrink back. We will fight shoulder to shoulder with you,” he said.
Myrie urged attendees to remain vigilant and proactive in their advocacy. “We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a fight,” he said. “And we’re going to swing. We have to swing because if we don’t stand up, who will?”
Father Larry Bellis, pastor of St. Jerome Church where the rally was held, offered comfort and solidarity to the Haitian community. “To our Haitian brothers and sisters living in fear and uncertainty, I say, do not lose heart,” he said. “You are not alone. Your struggles, sacrifices and hopes are seen and honored.”
Bellis also called on the administration to act with compassion. “This decision to end TPS is not just wrong. It’s unjust,” he said. “It violates human rights and the very essence of what TPS was created to do. We urge the president to extend TPS for Haitians and acknowledge the reality they face.”
Attendees of different ages and backgrounds came together to demand justice for Haitian immigrants, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for over a decade and built lives rooted in their communities.
“Haitians are here to stay,” Joseph declared, drawing cheers from the crowd. “We will not give up. We will continue to fight for our brothers and sisters every day, all day.”
As the rally concluded, DJ Hard Hitin’ Harry reminded the crowd of their power. “We are here to take action,” he said. “We are here to make our voices heard.”
