Overview:
A practical guide based on Haitian leaders’ emergency response to the Supreme Court TPS ruling, detailing what TPS holders, Haitian Americans, allies and community organizations can do.
The Supreme Court has ruled. The threats are real. But Haitian leaders and advocates say this is not the time to panic. It is time to organize, prepare and act.
This guide is based on direct guidance from community leaders, legal advocates and organizers. It will be updated as new information becomes available in the coming weeks.
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Klike la pou vèsyon Kreyòl
PART 1: RESOURCES FOR YOU
Many service groups, houses for worship, and civic organizations have reliable information to help the community understand their choices as new guidance or policies emerge. Following is a list of locations with large concentrations of Haitian TPS holders.
For the latest official updates from the federal government, visit the USCIS Temporary Protected Status and scroll down on the left to the Haiti section.
A. Where to get help in your area or nationwide
California
Colorado
Florida
Indianapolis
Massachusetts / New England
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune join city officials and community members for the Haitian Flag Raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox.
New Jersey / New York
Ohio
Springfield area
Columbus area
Nationwide
B. FAQs, toolkits and more to support taking action
- NHAEON national press conference
- June 29 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- To be livestreamed from Miami on the NHAEON site
C. Informational town halls, meetings, Zooms
Visit The Haitian Times community events section for the most updated list.
PART 2: GUIDANCE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ALLIES
Mayor Eric Adams deliver sremarks at a flag-raising ceremony for Haiti at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
Advocates say there is still a short window, 32 days from the June 25 judgement, for all parties to understand:
- Work permit guidance
- Employer responsibilities
- Legal options
- Congressional action
- Homeland Security and ICE mandates
Use this time wisely, they say.
Do not disappear.
Do not panic.
Organize. Prepare. Advocate.
A. For Haitian TPS holders
Stay level-headed. Do not make decisions out of panic
Community leaders are warning against rash actions based on fear, rumors or coercion by bad-faith actors.
Do NOT:
- Stop going to work without understanding your options.
- Pull your money out of the bank.
- Transfer your money, home, car or other assets to someone else without legal advice that is in your best interest.
“Decisions need to be made level-headed,” Guerline Jozef, executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance advises. Visit their site for the tools, such as letters to employers.
Get the right information
Avoid misinformation.
Do:
- Contact trusted organizations like the Haitian Bridge Alliance.
- Attend legal clinics and community Zoom calls.
- Speak directly with a licensed immigration attorney.
Do NOT rely on:
- People on TikTok posing as lawyers
- Rumors in WhatsApp groups
- Fear-based messages and word-of-mouth
Prepare or review your family exit plan now
Advocates say preparation is critical.
Ask:
- Who will care for your children if you are detained?
- Who can manage your rent, bills and business?
- Who can help with your medical needs?
Do:
- Gather important documents.
- Keep IDs, passports and immigration paperwork together.
- Identify someone you trust to possibly act as your proxy.
- Consider assigning power of attorney.
Important: It must be someone who truly has your best interests at heart.
Share your story
Advocates say your voice matters.
You can:
- Share publicly.
- Share anonymously.
- Record voice notes.
- Tell community organizations your story.
“If you don’t speak, there will be no one coming to save you,” Jozef says.
B. For naturalized citizens and permanent residents
Call your senators — and other elected officials too
Advocates say the immediate goal is passing Senate Bill S4814 to give TPS holders a path to permanent residency or citizenship.
What to ask:
- Support the 3-year TPS extension.
- Support long-term immigration protections.
- Support permanent residency pathways.
Call local elected officials
Ask them to:
- Contact senators directly.
- Publicly support Haitian TPS holders.
- Advocate for protections.
Show up beyond symbolism
Advocates made it clear. Supporting Haiti and Haitians means goes beyond waving the flag during festivities. It means:
- Political action
- Civic engagement
- Protecting Haitian families
- Donating money to trusted organizations to support families
C. For friends, neighbors, coworkers and employers
If someone you know is a TPS holder, this fight likely affects you too. To help, advocate for TPS holders to become permanent residents and support credible groups providing direct assistance.
Call your senators
Ask them to support Senate bill S4814. You can learn what to say or write from this toolkit from Faith In Action International and Haitian Bridge Alliance form endorsing the extension of TPS.
Speak out
Use your voice publicly.
Community leaders say silence from employers and business leaders hurts.
Support families with day-to-day needs
If you are able, try to assist with daily needs, such as:
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Legal referrals
- Emotional support
- Emergency planning help
Donate your time or money to assist
If you are able, give money or volunteer with credible organizations.
Many legal, advocacy and service organizations in your area are providing direct assistance to TPS holders. Call or message them for guidance and support.
Donations are critical for these groups to carry out programs such as legal guidance to individuals, local food banks, grocery delivery, gas and more.
D. For community groups, churches and service providers
Host emergency legal clinics
People need answers now.
Fill the gap early and often by bringing in credible immigration attorneys who will be honest with them about what can be done now or not.
Create simple explainers
Advocates called for:
- One-pagers
- Easy-to-share resources
- Clear guidance in plain language in English and Kreyòl.
Build support systems
People may stop:
- Going to work
- Grocery shopping
- Attending appointments
Be ready to support:
- Food access
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Legal accompaniment
- Outreach to ICE and other immigration or law enforcement offices
Watch for exploitation
Leaders warn that some people are preying on fear.
Watch for:
- Fake lawyers, including paralegals or tax filers posing at attorneys
- Overpriced legal help
- Fraudulent agreements
- Property and banking scams
Report abuse to local police or local community group you trust.
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