The Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) issued a strong statement Thursday denouncing the U.S. government’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this decision will have on our families, our workforce, and our entire community,” the organization’s board of directors said in an official statement.
According to HACCOF, the move to end TPS comes despite the fact that conditions in Haiti remain dire—marked by chronic political instability, rampant gang violence, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and the collapse of public institutions. “Haiti has not held elections since 2016, and large parts of Port-au-Prince remain under the control of armed groups,” the Chamber emphasized. “Ending TPS now is tantamount to sending thousands of people back to a country in complete turmoil.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed earlier this week that TPS protections for Haitians will formally end on September 2, 2025, citing a reassessment of conditions on the ground that, according to the agency, “no longer meet the criteria” for extending the program. The decision is expected to impact nearly 520,000 Haitians who have lived in the U.S. for years, many of whom have built families, careers, and businesses.
The Chamber stressed that TPS has not only offered legal protection, but also provided stability, dignity, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to American society since it was first granted following Haiti’s 2010 earthquake.
HACCOF is urging elected officials and policymakers to pursue solutions that uphold human rights and reflect the harsh realities still facing Haiti today. The organization also pledged to stand by affected individuals, offering legal resources, connecting community members with immigration attorneys, and supporting them through upcoming administrative processes.
“To those in our community directly impacted: we are with you. Consult with a lawyer, get informed, and begin preparing now,” the statement concluded. “The strength of our community has always been rooted in resilience, unity, and hope. That spirit will guide us forward.”
