Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso led a rally in Flatbush’s Little Haiti to show support for Haitian immigrants as the Trump administration moves to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. The event brought together faith leaders, advocates, and elected officials to oppose the termination of TPS, which currently allows an estimated 500,000 Haitians in the United States to live and work legally.
“In Brooklyn, when you come for one of us, you come for all of us,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Our neighbors from Haiti came here in need of refuge from an intense string of disaster, crisis, and political instability, and we stand proudly by their side in calling for an end to the Trump administration’s effort to revoke TPS for Haiti. TPS for Haiti has allowed thousands of Haitian immigrants to find a new beginning in our borough, and Brooklyn is better for it. The Haitian community will always have a home here.”
TPS was granted to Haitians after the 2010 earthquake that killed over 300,000 people and displaced more than 1.5 million. Since then, the program has been extended due to ongoing crises in Haiti. In February this year, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to end TPS status for Haiti effective September 2, 2025. However, following legal action by the Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association and others, a federal court temporarily extended protections until February 2026.
Brooklyn is home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the country with more than 150,000 residents in New York City—most living in Flatbush. Many local families could be separated if TPS ends because they include members with different immigration statuses.
“Brooklyn’s Haitian community is deeply rooted and plays an integral part to the borough—from educators and healthcare professionals to small business owners and essential workers. Stripping TPS would jeopardize these contributions and destabilize countless lives,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. “TPS holders often have U.S.-born children and interwoven family networks. Revoking their legal protections could fracture homes, schools, and community institutions, creating widespread hardship. Deportations would impact local economies—labor forces, neighborhoods, and small businesses would feel the strain. TPS holders contribute significantly through taxes, commerce, and community engagement, and sending them back into an unsafe and unstable environment could have disastrous consequences—becoming a life-or-death situation for many Haitians in Brooklyn and across this nation.”
“The cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti is another move in Donald Trump’s racist and xenophobic mass deportation agenda,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “This catastrophic decision strips more than 500,000 people across the country of work authorization and protection from deportation, including thousands in New York City—home to the second-largest population of Haitians in the U.S. While advocates continue to fight these terminations in court, it is our duty as elected officials to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the legal services and assistance needed to defend themselves against these cruel policies.”
“Brooklyn will never stay silent while our immigrant neighbors are under attack by the Trump administration. ICE is tearing our communities apart, and now more than ever we must fight relentlessly to protect Haitian immigrants in this city. I’m proud to stand with the Brooklyn Borough President and fellow Brooklyn leaders in rejecting anti-immigrant policies and defending the dignity of every New Yorker,” said Council Member Chi Ossé.
“Ending TPS would rip apart Haitian families and devastate neighborhoods that rely on workers who care for our loved ones in hospitals build our homes and support our small businesses.TPS is a legal humanitarian program that allows people to live and work here with dignity.In fact statistics show that TPS recipients are more likely to be employed than the general U.S.population filling critical labor shortages in health care construction,and service industries.These are people who did things the right way,and sending them back to Haiti,a country in crisis,would amount to a death sentence.We are stronger when we embrace our immigrant roots not when we ignore them,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.
“Our city is so strong vibrant,and culturally impactful because of immigrant communities that have made Brooklyn their own.That includes,in large part,Haitian immigrants who have thrived under temporary protective status—a protection that is meant to support those whose countries of origin are experiencing turmoil.Today,we are rallying in support of our Haitian neighbors,and against violence of Trump administration’s deportation agenda.I will always fight for a Brooklyn that puts needs working people first foremost.Threatening immigrant communities hurts us all,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés.
“As daughter Haitian immigrants,I stand full solidarity with our Haitian community against this cruel attempt strip away Temporary Protected Status(TPS).TPS has allowed families live dignity contribute economy strengthen neighborhoods like Little Haiti Brooklyn–home one largest Haitian communities nation.Threatening hundreds thousands Haitians deportation not only inhumane;it attack cultural economic fabric New York City.I commend Borough President Reynoso bringing together unity,I continue fight alongside advocates families protect TPS defend immigrant rights.We will not stand by as hundreds thousands Haitian communities threatened deportation!”said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.
“The Trump administration has taken action roll back TPS protections Haitian immigrants,many who have been living New York decades.This cruel heartless action threaten hundreds thousands hardworking people.As proud daughter Haitian immigrants chair Assembly Task Force New Americans,I am proud stand Borough President Reynoso other colleagues fight back against actions,”said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest.
“New York City better place because cultural economic contributions our Haitian immigrant community.Haitian New Yorkers own business provide essential healthcare services enrich cultural tapestry city.Our neighbors deserve stability safety.The Trump administration’s deplorable decision end TPS Haiti meant destabilize attack communities.We call Congress act immediately provide permanent protections all TPS holders,fight back against Trump’s attacks,”said Murad Awawdeh President & CEO New York Immigration Coalition.
“HAFFD proud stand Borough President Antonio Reynoso elected leaders defend Haitian families.Protecting TPS matter justice humanity,”said Jocelyn McCalla Executive Director Haitian American Foundation Democracy.“As long as Haiti faces crisis,we continue use advocacy arm ensure community heard protected.Brooklyn heart Haitian diaspora —when speak together America must listen.”
“Behind every TPS designation mothers fathers children grandparents simply want chance live peace work dignity build future without fear.At HAUP see every day sacrifices contributions TPS holders neighbors care elders teach children keep city thriving.To stand with them stand very soul New York,”said Elsie Saint Louis CEO,Haitian Americans United Progress(HAUP).
“The Haitian community needs solidarity investment genuine TPS commitment sustainable future.TPS more than policy—it lifeline countless families deserve safety dignity opportunity pursue American Dream.As Haitian Brooklynites must stand together solidarity ensuring neighbors protected respected heard.We call American government immediately reverse life-altering actions prioritize policies save lives promote stability uphold shared values dignity human rights,”said Porez Luxama Executive Director Life Hope.
