At the initiative of the co-chair of the Haitian Caucus in the U.S. Congress, a working session was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to address the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of Haitian immigrants in the United States. Initially granted in 2010 following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, TPS provided temporary refuge while the country recovered from widespread damage.
The meeting took place in Mattapan, a Boston neighborhood considered the stronghold of the Haitian community in Massachusetts.
Democratic Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts’s 6th District, attended the event alongside Representative Ayanna Pressley of the 7th District. The goal was to hear testimony from community members about the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. The administration argued that conditions in Haiti had sufficiently improved since the devastating earthquake and subsequent natural disasters, providing grounds for ending TPS. However, many attendees and lawmakers expressed deep concern over these claims, suggesting that the reality on the ground in Haiti tells a different story.
Representative Ayanna Pressley characterized the decision as driven by racist intent on the part of President Trump and his cabinet. Pressley pointed to statements made by the administration that allegedly targeted immigrants from predominantly black and brown countries. For instance, reports have noted derogatory language used by President Trump when referring to Haiti and African nations, suggesting discriminatory motivations behind the decision.
Pressley argued that conditions are not in place to force more than 350,000 Haitians to return to Haiti.
Senator Markey echoed that position, denouncing the Trump administration’s double standard regarding Haiti.
Senator Markey asked, “How can you tell Americans not to travel to Haiti because of the security situation while at the same time claiming that conditions are perfectly suitable for Haitians to return?” Recent reports indicate that the crime rate, ongoing political unrest, and economic instability in Haiti have led to a significant deterioration in the living conditions there. According to the latest data from humanitarian organizations, incidents of violence have risen, and many families are struggling to access basic necessities, reinforcing the argument that returning Haitians would face severe challenges.
Representative Seth Moulton, for his part, criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling her “cruel and incompetent.”
The three lawmakers from the Bay State pledged to do everything in their power to protect TPS for Haitians.
Testimonies and Economic Contributions
Several TPS beneficiaries and representatives from immigrant rights organizations also spoke during the hearing, which was entered into the Congressional Record.
The three members of the Massachusetts delegation emphasized the economic contributions of TPS holders, most of whom have lived in the United States for more than a decade. They noted that Haitians with TPS status have significantly bolstered the American workforce, particularly in the healthcare sector, where they constitute an important part of the personnel. Their labor contributes significantly to the U.S. GDP each year, underscoring their integral role in the U.S. economy.
The American healthcare system would suffer serious consequences if the more than 350,000 Haitians were to lose their legal status, the lawmakers warned.
When asked about ongoing discussions in Congress to adopt a discharge petition that could preserve TPS, the delegation members declined to go into detail. “All options are on the table,” they assured. A discharge petition is a legislative maneuver that, if signed by a majority of House members, can force a bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. This strategy is rarely used due to its complex nature and the substantial support required.
Community leader Pastor Dieufort Fleurissaint, who attended the event, expressed confidence that TPS will be preserved.
He confirmed that outreach efforts are underway with lawmakers to secure votes for the discharge petition. “The reception has been very positive,” said the doctor Fleurissaint.
The community leader noted that organizations in other states are also engaged in discussions about the petition, which currently appears to be the only viable option for protecting Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.
Representatives from other communities showed their support at the Mattapan event on Tuesday, a symbolic date marking the first anniversary of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. This timing added a poignant layer to the gathering, highlighting the broader political landscape. The event served not only as a call to action for the preservation of TPS but also as a reminder of the ongoing political challenges associated with immigration policies. Attendees were reminded of the enduring impact of past decisions and the vital need for advocacy and solidarity in the face of current political climates.
