Haitian Immigrants in US Face Uncertainty Under Trump Administration

Temporary Protective Status for Haitians in the US is under threat, causing fear and job loss in the community.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:18am

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Maryse Balthazar, a Haitian immigrant living in Boynton Beach, Florida, is one of around 350,000 Haitian nationals granted Temporary Protective Status (TPS) in the US. However, the Trump administration has repeatedly sought to terminate TPS for Haiti, which would shift the population's status from legal to illegal immigrants. This has caused anxiety and job loss within the Haitian diaspora, as some employers become skittish over the uncertainty surrounding TPS. The issue is currently being fought in the courts, with a recent ruling characterizing Haiti as "a country in chaos and crisis." Advocates are pushing for legislation to require the administration to designate Haiti for TPS, offering hope for Balthazar and others like her.

Why it matters

The potential termination of TPS for Haitians in the US has significant implications for the Haitian immigrant community, as well as the industries and businesses that rely on their labor, such as the healthcare sector. It raises concerns about human rights, constitutional violations, and the treatment of non-white immigrants under the Trump administration.

The details

The Trump administration had designated the TPS program for Haiti to end on February 3, 2026, but the order was suspended by US District Judge Ana Reyes on February 2. Reyes' decision was hailed by Colin O'Leary, who runs a nursing home in Boston that employs a significant number of Haitian workers. However, some Haitian immigrants have already lost their jobs due to the uncertainty, and foot traffic in "Little Haiti" neighborhoods has diminished as people go into hiding. Advocates are pushing for legislation and lobbying business groups to support the Haitian community.

  • The Trump administration had designated the TPS program for Haiti to end on February 3, 2026.
  • On February 2, 2026, US District Judge Ana Reyes suspended the order to end TPS for Haiti.

The players

Maryse Balthazar

A certified nursing assistant living in Boynton Beach, Florida, who is one of around 350,000 Haitian nationals granted Temporary Protective Status in the US.

Colin O'Leary

Runs a 120-bed Ascentria nursing home in Boston that employs a significant number of Haitian workers.

Doris Etheart

Runs a Caribbean foods store in New York, whose cousins who arrived in 2024 were dismissed from their jobs as security guards due to the uncertainty surrounding TPS.

Eno Mondesir

A Massachusetts public health official and pastor who has been advising Haitian nationals with kids to line up friends in case they are detained.

Ayanna Pressley

A Democratic Representative from Massachusetts who is leading a push in Congress for legislation to require the administration to designate Haiti for TPS.

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What they’re saying

“You didn't have anxiety, like, 'When are they going to grab me?' It's scary.”

— Maryse Balthazar, Certified Nursing Assistant

“We've now had three different times where we thought we were losing a significant portion of our staff.”

— Colin O'Leary, Runs Ascentria Nursing Home

“All of them are just in fear. They're in hiding because of this.”

— Doris Etheart, Caribbean Foods Store Owner

“With this present administration, they can apprehend anyone just as they won't back down from killing American citizens.”

— Eno Mondesir, Massachusetts Public Health Official and Pastor

“We have a lot of people fighting for us. With a troop, you can win. Solo, it's hard.”

— Maryse Balthazar, Certified Nursing Assistant

What’s next

The Trump administration has filed a request with the Supreme Court asking it to halt the ruling by US District Judge Ana Reyes that suspended the order to end TPS for Haiti. Additionally, there is a push in Congress led by Representative Ayanna Pressley for legislation to require the administration to designate Haiti for TPS.

The takeaway

The potential termination of Temporary Protective Status for Haitian immigrants in the US has created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the Haitian diaspora, leading to job losses and disruptions to businesses and industries that rely on their labor. This issue highlights the broader tensions around immigration policy and the treatment of non-white immigrant communities under the Trump administration, raising concerns about human rights, constitutional violations, and the need for legislative and judicial intervention to protect vulnerable populations.