Overview:
As uncertainty continues over the future of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, New York State and City officials, joined by community leaders, are moving to protect affected residents from deportation through expanded legal support, legislative action and public resources. City officials are reaffirming sanctuary protections and access to health and emergency services regardless of immigration status, while connecting Haitian TPS holders with legal counsel and know-your-rights information.
BROOKLYN — In response to a community so stressed by the uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians where at least two people fearing immigration enforcement have died by suicide, New York state and city officials, in conjunction with community groups, are moving on multiple fronts to ensure affected residents have access to legal, health and emotional support.
From City Hall to Albany to Washington, leaders said at a news conference on Wednesday and through press statements that they are determined to protect Haitian TPS holders from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — while pursuing legal and legislative paths to make the immigrants’ status permanent.
“You are not alone,” said NYC Councilmember Farah Louis, echoing a key message heard during the press conference.“Do not self-deport and do not have fear.”
Louis, who relayed news of the suicides, and other leaders held the news conference two days after a federal judge stopped the termination of the Haiti TPS program that has allowed about 350,000 Haitians to live and work legally in the U.S., while litigation is pending. Though the judge’s decision provides sole relief, many new questions have been raised and people continue to fear ICE.
Inside Life of Hope’s offices in East Flatbush Wednesday, the speakers brought with them an array of brochures and fliers with the names and contact information for various city- and state-sponsored programs. They urged families to seek help from organizations, for everything from filing documents to grant guardianship if parents and their children were to be separated and protecting financial assets such as their business bank accounts in case of deportation.
Nadine, a Haitian TPS holder who was listening to the speakers, shared that she was wondering if her status is sufficient to work. The Haitian Times is withholding Nadine’s last name to avoid adversely affecting her immigration case.
“I need to go to work and I don’t know what to do,” she said. She learned about the resources available to her during the 2-hour event.
City pushes immigrant help hotline, other resources
In New York City, officials are emphasizing that sanctuary city laws remain in effect, even amid heightened federal immigration enforcement activity. Manuel Castro, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), said Haitian TPS holders and other immigrants can continue to access essential services without fear.
“People have access to services regardless of immigration status,” Castro said in an interview with The Haitian Times after the event. “They should continue to access health services, our local hospital system, call 911, and use any other city services without fear of deportation.
“We’re reaching out to lawyers so people know what to do if they’re confronted by an ICE agent,” Castro added. “They have a lot of rights, and people need individualized guidance, not rumors or bad advice.”
Castro acknowledged, however, that sanctuary laws do not prevent Immigration and ICE from operating in the city. As reports of increased ICE presence circulate, MOIA has focused on education and preparedness, connecting residents with attorneys and know-your-rights information.
To reach immigrants who may not be connected to advocacy groups or elected officials, the city has expanded partnerships with nonprofits such as HAUP and Life of Hope and public institutions, including the New York City Public Library. English and language classes offered at more than 60 library branches also serve as points of information sharing.
Citywide, residents can call 311 to access immigration-related guidance and referrals.
In all, the show of support emphasizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s message to Haitians on Monday that he stands with the community.
The borough presidents of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens sent a joint letter this week urging Albany to pass the New York For All Act and the Access to Representation Act, which would limit cooperation with ICE and guarantee legal representation for immigrants facing deportation.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso called for congressional action during his remarks on Wednesday. “Should the conditions of the country where you are coming from not improve, we should have a path to legal citizenship for those on TPS,” he said.
State officials launch ICE observation unit
At the state level, James recently announced the launch of a Legal Observation Project, a new initiative designed to monitor and document federal immigration enforcement activity across New York. The project will deploy trained legal observers to locations where enforcement actions or related protests are reported, serving as neutral witnesses and preserving information that could inform future legal action.
James is also urging New Yorkers to submit videos or documentation of immigration enforcement activity through a secure online portal, adding another layer of oversight and support for impacted communities.
Meanwhile, pressure is building in Albany to pass legislation that would further limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and guarantee legal representation for immigrants facing deportation with the New York For All Act and the Access to Representation Act.
Seeking permanence and stability in D.C.
At the federal level, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer pointed to a recent court decision blocking the Trump administration’s effort to end TPS for Haitians as only a temporary reprieve. He reiterated his support for the SECURE Act, which would allow long-term TPS holders to apply for permanent legal status.
“Haiti is still dangerous and unstable,” Schumer said in a statement to The Haitian Times. “We must do more to oppose this administration while they continue to target and attack our neighbors. Until Haitians can return home safely and the gangs’ reign of terror subsides, I will keep fighting to allow them to remain here out of harm’s way.”
For city and state officials, the message is consistent: while courts and Congress debate the future of TPS, New York is stepping up with resources, legal protections, and public support to help Haitian families weather the uncertainty—and to make clear they are not facing it alone.
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