Rockland County leaders condemn Supreme Court ruling ending TPS protections
At a packed Spring Valley press conference, Haitian community leaders and local organizations warn about its impact on families, workplaces and more.
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Community leaders and organizations in Rockland County are speaking out after last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants.
The decision struck a particularly deep chord in Spring Valley, home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the country.
At a standing-room-only press conference held Tuesday at Konbit Neg Lakay community center, leaders described what they believe the ruling means for their community.
"This new ruling ignores us. Doesn't protect us. And leaves us stranded," Pastor Nathaniel Demosthene, of First Timothy Christian Church, said.
Speakers emphasized the conditions in Haiti and the dangers facing anyone forced to return.
"You send Haitians back to Haiti, where are you going to send them? Our hospitals. Our streets. Our school. They have all been taken over by gangs," said Renold Julien, of Konbit Neg Lakay.
"So now we want to send them back to a country with no president. No cabinet. No congress. Because we haven't had elections in five years," Demosthene added.
The group is calling on the U.S. Senate to pass a bill that would extend TPS protections. Representatives from organizations including Proyecto Faro and Jawonio attended the event in support.
Proyecto Faro said they have already heard from people who are afraid of losing their legal status and livelihoods.
"We are trying to help individuals who have work permits who will now be losing their jobs because of this and getting them food, clothing, and assistance here so they can continue to survive," said Karissma Fernandez, of Proyecto Faro.
Jawonio reported that 7% of its workforce is currently under TPS. Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro warned of the broader consequences.
"I don't think people have thought this through, in terms of the impact of losing three hundred and fifty thousand workers that are primarily working in the healthcare sector and what that's going to do to the field," Rios-Castro said.
Jawonio also shared that dozens of people with TPS work for other organizations serving individuals with disabilities, including ARC and Venture.
"I'm just so devastated by what's happening here that it just doesn't make any sense," Rios-Castro said.
