Overview:
As the new year begins, The Haitian Times shares what’s top of mind in 2026 — across the U.S., Haiti and the diaspora.
A new year always brings a mix of urgency and reflection— and 2026 is no exception. At The Haitian Times, we’ve taken stock of what feels most pressing across our communities, from local politics in New York to political upheaval in Haiti and the global shifts in between.
Here’s what’s top of mind for us this year.
The fate of TPS and what happens after Feb. 3
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is currently set to expire on Feb. 3. The looming deadline has created uncertainty for thousands who have lived, worked and raised families in the U.S. for decades. Whether the administration enforces deportations or offers an extension could set the tone for immigration policy during this election year — and shape the lives of countless Haitian households.
In Springfield, the city thrust into the national spotlight over false claims about its Haitian population, the end of TPS may have immediate consequences. How employers, churches and Haitian community leaders there respond may provide an early glimpse of how other towns across the country navigate life after legal protections are shut down.
In New York, a new mayor — and familiar questions
With Zohran Mamdani now mayor of New York City, the local political landscape has shifted toward more progressivism under the Democratic Socialist. Six known Haitian Americans were named to his transition team — a level of representation rarely seen, at least publicly. Whether that visibility turns into real influence remains to be determined, particularly on issues like affordable housing, small business support, nonprofit sustainability and immigration protections that directly impact Haitian New Yorkers.
At the same time, political power structures within enclaves like Brooklyn, Queens — and Long Island, albeit outside the city’s borders — continue to evolve. Longtime civic leaders, church networks and neighborhood organizers who are traditional Democrats still play central roles. How these grassroots institutions engage with — or push against — City Hall’s progressive will be worth watching.
Trump’s Corollary
Donald Trump’s presidency carries broad implications for the Western Hemisphere as he moves to “reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence” in the region. Such an aggressive posture toward Latin America and the Caribbean, under the banner of “commercial diplomacy” and allegedly halting drug trafficking, could bring new tariffs, migration quotas and military pressure across the region.
“This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live — and we’re not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, competitors, and rivals of the United States,” Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, said after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Already in the new year, Trump removed Maduro in an overnight raid of Caracas and announced that oil companies will run the country, triggering calls of condemnation from other countries and world bodies. Such actions could further destabilize Haiti if long-present income inequality tensions and gang violence were to escalate, particularly among economic elites who may seek deals to protect their interests.
Security and elections in Haiti?
Kenyan police officers arriving at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Photo by Dieugo André for The Haitian Times
Talk of elections continues, with the first round scheduled for Aug. 30, but deep skepticism remains. Conditions on the ground, the role or fate of the transitional council—whose mandate is set to expire on Feb. 7— the deployment of international security forces and the availability of funding will determine whether any vote is feasible or legitimate. For now, the Haitian public appears cautious, waiting for signs that this time will be different.
Rising health care costs for working families
Federal policy changes are driving up the cost of health care for many. The rollback of premium subsidies has hit families relying on ACA and Medicare Advantage plans especially hard, including many in the Haitian American community. Between housing costs and inflation, this added financial strain is already being felt.
Climate vulnerability — and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Climate change remains a constant undercurrent, particularly for Haitians in areas vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes and extreme heat. Last year’s Hurricane Melissa showed again how quickly disaster can strike and how unprepared much of the region remains. Climate will continue to impact infrastructure, agriculture, migration and public health.
Digital opportunity — and digital exploitation
The digital economy is transforming Haitian life in real time. Content creation, AI tools and remote work platforms are creating new income streams for some. But they’re also enabling the spread of misinformation, exploitation of cultural identity and widening inequalities.
Haitian American political identity heading into midterms
The Menelas-Horrace family, Brooklyn transplants who moved to Indianapolis six months prior, head out from their East Side home en route to school in September 2023. Photo by Dieu-Nalio Chéry/The Haitian Times
With midterm elections later this year, Haitian American voters are reassessing their political identities. Long loyal to the Democratic Party, many began expressing frustration during the 2024 elections at the lack of tangible gains and loss of immigration protections. Now, many also question whether Haitian American elected officials can wield real influence, particularly with scandals associated with the most high-profile among them erupting.
In states like New York and Florida, where Haitian communities have built deep electoral power, these questions feel especially urgent. The role of church-based organizing, local advocacy, and shifting generational priorities may reshape how Haitian voters engage in 2026, and with whom.
High-profile criminal, civil and immigration cases
Several high-profile criminal, civil and immigration cases involving Haitians are also shaping public attention this year. In Florida, media personality Carel Pedre was placed in ICE custody after a misdemeanor domestic violence arrest, triggering a #FreeCarel campaign as details of his immigration case remain undisclosed.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick, the first Haitian American woman elected to Congress, faces federal charges alleging fraud, money laundering and campaign finance violations tied to pandemic relief funds — allegations she denies.
In Colorado, more than 1,000 Haitian workers have filed a class action lawsuit against meatpacking giant JBS, alleging deceptive recruitment via TikTok, discriminatory treatment, unsafe working conditions and exploitative housing at the company’s Greeley plant — with TPS expiration threatening to derail their claims.
Legal scrutiny has also reached the cultural sphere and oligarchy. Haitian music veteran Fabrice Rouzier has sued Joé Dwèt Filé and collaborators over copyright claims tied to the global hit 4 Kampé, while business figures Reginald Boulos and Dimitri Vorbe were detained in the U.S. amid immigration fraud allegations and accusations of backing armed groups in Haiti.
Together, these cases reflect heightened legal exposure across Haitian public life.
The World Cup
And finally, but not least, a global celebration. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Haitians in the diaspora are already preparing to gather, cheer and celebrate Les Grenadiers against Scotland, Brazil and Morocco this summer. Whether at watch parties, the stadium stands or their living rooms, the matches are a welcome moment of joy and connection in a heavy year—regardless of sporting results in the end.
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