By Haiti Action Committee on June 25, 2026
demonstration against today’s Supreme Court ruling. San Francisco. foto: Bill Hackwell
The Supreme Court today ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could terminate (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian refugees currently in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This decision could leave 350,000 Haitians along with 6100 Syrians without work permits, subject to Trump’s brutal deportation machine for one of the largest mass deportations in US history. Fifteen other country nationals with TPS are at risk of being subjected to the same draconian measures.
This cruel and terrible decision means Haitians can be forced to return to Haiti, a nation in crisis under a US-led foreign occupation, a country the US State Department has warned Americans not to travel to due to potential for violence, limited health care, kidnappings, and civil unrest. In the last year alone, over 8,000 Haitians have been killed, primarily by death squads, and 1.5 million have had to flee their homes.
Haitians have been here for decades under Temporary Protected Status, starting with Haiti’s deadly 2010 earthquake. Over time, they have built lives here, become pillars of their communities and a vital part of their local economies. They deserve safety.
In a 6-3 decision, the high court sided with the Trump administration’s position that the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem acted within her legal authority when she decided to cancel temporary protected status for Haiti last year. TPS allows Haitian immigrants to live and work in the United States, and loss of the designation would subject TPS holders almost certain detention and deportation by immigration authorities.
In Springfield Ohio alone between 10,000 and 15,000 Haitians live and work. “This is a decision that will cost people their lives,” said Springfield Pastor Carl Ruby. “This is not just a tragedy for Haitians — this is a tragedy for Springfield.” He went on to say that Springfield was on the decline before Haitians started moving into the area.
Ruby said many Haitians in the Springfield area are going to need immediate help with housing, food, legal fees and other essential costs because they are going to lose their work authorization, drivers’ licenses and other privileges.
Geoffrey Pipoly, lead counsel for the Haitian plaintiffs said, “In essence the Supreme Court concurred today with Trump’s comments about Haitian people eating dogs and cats and his claims that they “all have AIDS” and that they come from a “shithole” country in a blatant decision of racial discrimination. He said Haiti remains very unsafe and returning people to the Caribbean nation will put their lives in jeopardy.
Things You Can Do!
SPREAD THE WORD! Congress must act now to prevent a humanitarian crisis. The House of Representatives passed HR 1689 to extend TPS for Haitians until 2029. Senate Democrats introduced S 4814 to extend TPS for Haiti. So far, neither Senators Schiff nor Padilla have joined the 19 others who have co-sponsored this very important bill. In California, call Senators Schiff and Padilla. Urge them to vote YES on S 4814. If you live outside California, call the US Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator. “I am calling to encourage Senator ______ to co-sponsor S 4814 which would extend Haitian TPS until 2029. Haiti is not safe for people to return to, and Haitians are valuable members of our economy and communities. Thank you.”
Contact the Haiti Action Committee to get involved and hear about upcoming activities: