Time is running out for the 350,000 Haitians living in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Even though violent gangs control 90% of Haiti’s capital and large parts of the central region, the Department of Homeland Security announced on the eve of Thanksgiving the termination of TPS status for Haitians, effective February 3rd, 2026. Just this past week in Haiti, gangs viciously attacked communities in the central region, setting fire to homes, massacring nearly a dozen, and causing hundreds to flee the area.
It is irresponsible and likely a violation of international law to deport people to Haiti while it isn't safe for them to return. Quixote Center calls on the administration to reverse their decision immediately.
On November 17th, Quixote Center joined a coalition advocating with members of Congress to demand support for the redesignation of TPS for Haitian nationals in the US. Many offices expressed their sense of powerlessness, acknowledging that Congress has little leverage with TPS designations. Only the administration has the authority to grant this status. Judges have been able to protect a previously-granted designation, but they cannot extend it. In this context, we appreciate this strong statement from the Congressional Black Caucus.
Our conversations with the offices therefore shifted to what Congress can do to help improve the conditions in Haiti. Our message: they must enact laws to stop the illegal trafficking of weapons from the US to Haiti. We asked every office we met with to support the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act, as this bipartisan legislation has the best chances of passing in the Senate. They all expressed interest in learning more about this bill and committed to studying it.
We are reaching a critical moment for immigrants in the US. After months of crackdowns, the administration vows to further escalate their assault on the rights and dignity of migrants. They exploit tragedies, such as the recent shooting in DC, and high-visibility criminal cases, such as the one implicating a group of Somalians in Minnesota, to demonize entire groups of people and nations, using it as an excuse to implement punitive retaliatory actions.
The congressional staff we met with told us that nothing can change until the midterms. In the meantime, it is important to uplift the voices of the vulnerable, and, for example, highlight how Haitian migrants are boosting local economies and contributing to our country.
Quixote Center will continue to work with our partners to end the administration's assault on migrants.
Comments
Lynn Biddle (not verified)
Whether it is a violation of international law or not, deporting Haitians to Haiti at a time when no one can be safe there, is cruel and inhumane. The Trump administration appears to glorify in these two adjectives, cruel and inhumane, but do the American people? This is still our country. What can we do to prevent this?
Quixote Center (not verified)
For some reason their message of fear, which they use to justify cruelty and inhumanity, has taken hold among some sectors of our country. But not everyone. We have to continue to counter the narrative with truth, and with critical analysis. And we have to continue to contact our elected officials so that they know that not everyone is on board with these policies.
Linda Haas (not verified)
Allow all Haitians in US here legally with TPS to stay as it is too dangerous for them to return to Haiti and many have no homes to return to as the gangs have destroyed many, many homes.
Quixote Center (not verified)
Yes, we agree!
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