Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey welcomed the federal court decision blocking the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals and immediately directed her administration to notify employers across the state that Haitian TPS beneficiaries remain authorized to work.
In a statement released Monday evening, Governor Healey expressed her support for Haitian families affected by this uncertainty.
“Tonight, Haitian families across our state and country can breathe a sigh of relief,” Governor Healey said. “Many Haitian TPS holders have been in the United States since 2010. They were given an opportunity for a new life in this country away from famine, violence, and a deadly earthquake, and they have lived, worked, and integrated into our communities ever since.”
The governor sharply criticized the Trump administration’s attempt to end the program: “For the federal government to have essentially reneged on that promise of relief while Haiti remains in a state of humanitarian crisis is cruel.”
Protecting the Massachusetts Economy
Governor Healey emphasized the importance of this decision not only for Haitian families but also for the state’s economy.
“This ruling is important for Haitian families here. It also protects against a harmful disruption to the Massachusetts economy, as Haitian TPS holders are an integral part of our workforce, particularly in the health care sector,” she said.
The governor described the consequences the revocation would have had if it had taken effect: “If President Trump had his way, thousands of nurses, home health aides, and other essential employees would not have been able to work tomorrow, and patients and families who are dependent on caregivers would have suffered.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration took immediate action following the court decision, sending notifications to employers across the state informing them that their Haitian TPS employees remain authorized to work.
“We are notifying employers across the state that their employees are still eligible to work,” the governor confirmed.
Governor Healey concluded her statement by reaffirming her support for the Haitian community and other communities whose protected status is under threat.
“My heart is with the Haitian community tonight, as well as the other communities whose protected status continues to be under attack by President Trump and Secretary Noem. We will continue to fight for you,” she said.
Last week, Governor Healey sent a letter to Secretary Noem demanding that she extend TPS for Haitian nationals currently living and working in the United States, highlighting their annual contribution of $4.4 billion to the American economy. With more than 45,000 Haitian immigrants holding Temporary Protected Status, Massachusetts is home to the third-largest Haitian community in the United States, after Florida and New York, respectively.
