The second part of the hearing addressed the economic contributions of TPS beneficiaries to the U.S. economy. The judge was well-prepared, using solid data and direct questions for government representatives.
When the hearing resumed, the judge shifted attention to the economic impact of TPS beneficiaries, an area the administration had largely overlooked. Citing official federal data, Judge Ana C. Reyes noted that TPS beneficiaries contributed $35.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023. This contribution is comparable to the annual GDP of a mid-sized U.S. city like Newark, NJ, or a significant federal program’s budget, such as the National Science Foundation’s annual budget. She stated this figure directly contradicts the government’s argument that minimizes their economic role.
The judge emphasized that, contrary to the administration’s claims, TPS beneficiaries work, pay, spend, and sustain. She stressed that these contributions must be taken into account when assessing the potential consequences of ending TPS for Haitian nationals.
After a suspension earlier in the day, the hearing resumed at 1:30 p.m. in the federal court in Washington. This session continued the morning’s discussion, which focused on the court’s questions about the Trump administration’s methodology for ending TPS for Haiti.
Judge Reyes announced that proceedings would continue the next day, Wednesday, January 7, at 10:00 a.m., as part of the discovery process. This phase will examine the documents, analyses, and administrative materials behind the decision to end TPS for Haitians. Tuesday’s session ended at 4:47 p.m., after 6 hours and 20 minutes of hearings.
Economic Conditions in Haiti at the Center of Inquiry
During this part of the hearing, Judge Reyes questioned government representatives about Haiti’s economic situation, which she said is closely linked to security and humanitarian concerns discussed earlier. She referenced Haiti’s very low GDP, citing recent United Nations reports to highlight the country’s economic fragility.
The judge, well-prepared with data from international organizations, caught government attorneys off guard several times. She asked if the administration disputed that Haiti is among the poorest countries in the region and the world. The lack of response highlighted the government’s discomfort.
The judge also cited a United Nations report stating that 5,600 people were killed in Haiti in 2024 due to violence from armed gangs and institutional collapse. She asked the government how this reality could support a safe and sustainable return for Haitian nationals.
Another key issue was the extent of the Homeland Security Secretary’s discretionary power. Judge Reyes asked whether the Secretary could end TPS for Haitians without considering all available economic, humanitarian, and security data.
Through her questions, the judge examined the legal limits of this power and the administration’s duty to base its decision on a thorough, transparent, and documented assessment. She also asked for clarification on the profile of TPS beneficiaries, especially how many hold this status after overstaying their initial visa.
This question seeks to determine whether the administration considered the diverse migration paths of TPS beneficiaries and if these factors influenced the decision to end this protection.
A Hearing Far From Over
At the end of the day, no final conclusions were reached. Judge Ana C. Reyes stated that the court would continue its examination of the case, especially through the discovery process in the next session. This part of the hearing confirmed the court’s rigorous approach and determination to address the Trump administration’s decision, taking into account economic, humanitarian, and social realities in both the United States and Haiti. It also highlighted the significant economic role of TPS beneficiaries, which is now central to the court’s evaluation of this immigration policy and its broader consequences. The economy itself stands witness in this courtroom, illustrating the far-reaching impact of TPS beneficiaries and emphasizing the need for informed, empathetic policy decisions.
Source: Caribbean Television Network
