The President of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) has raised alarm over the consequences of the Trump administration’s new immigration policies. Architect Leslie Voltaire also criticized the administration’s recent decision to freeze humanitarian aid to Haiti.
According to Leslie Voltaire, the decisions to suspend humanitarian aid, block refugees, and accelerate deportations risk significantly worsening the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. These statements were made during an interview with the Associated Press while he was visiting the Vatican to seek assistance from Pope Francis.
Voltaire expressed concerns about Haiti’s national situation during the interview. He explained that the mass deportations planned by the United States, combined with rampant violence in Haiti, could push the country to the brink of collapse. “The situation will be catastrophic if these policies are implemented,” he warned.
Currently, about 1.5 million Haitians reside in the United States, including 150,000 under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, according to data cited by the Associated Press. Voltaire emphasized that ending these protections under the Trump administration would force these migrants to return to a country already overwhelmed by enormous challenges. He also noted that thousands of people are already being deported weekly from the Dominican Republic, further straining Haiti’s limited resources.
Beyond the challenges of migration, the representative of Fanmi Lavalas on the CPT highlighted the growing impact of gang violence in Haiti.
According to the latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than one million people are internally displaced within the country—a number never seen before. Violence in Port-au-Prince has led to a breakdown of public services and a worsening of food insecurity. “These gangs should not be considered political actors. They are criminals, and their place is not at the negotiation table,” he told the Associated Press.
Despite these grim realities, Mr. Voltaire remains optimistic that general elections could still take place by November, provided the multinational police force is strengthened.
Currently composed of contingents from Kenya, Guatemala, and El Salvador, this force is still far from its intended strength of 2,500 personnel. The interim president stressed that commitments, such as Benin’s promise to send 2,000 additional soldiers, could play a crucial role in maintaining order.
Voltaire also sought Pope Francis’s support in organizing an international solidarity conference for Haiti. According to him, such an initiative could bring together key players like Canada and Mexico to mobilize funds and resources. “The pope is a valuable ally for Haiti, and his support can make a real difference,” he told the Associated Press.