A new reality has begun for Haitian immigrants in the US after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end deportation protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians. Many are now facing detention and deportation, and are being forced to wear ankle monitors that allow authorities to track their location.

Local Impact

In cities like Boston and Springfield, Ohio, Haitian immigrants are feeling the effects of the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). A nurse in Boston, who has been working at one of the city’s top hospitals for eight years, was forced to take a leave of absence after her work permit expired. Many businesses are also being devastated by the loss of Haitian employees, with a resort hotel in Florida losing over 150 workers and a senior center in Massachusetts losing over 50 employees.

Leaders in Springfield say that the growing ICE presence many fear hasn’t yet materialized, but hundreds of Department of Homeland Security letters arriving in the mail have put the community on edge. Those who’ve reported to ICE offices after receiving the notices have been outfitted with ankle monitors and many have been assigned court dates in about a month.

Community Response

Advocates are speaking out against the treatment of Haitian immigrants, saying that it’s inhumane and dehumanizing. Many are calling for a pathway to citizenship for those who have been living and working in the US for years. The Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield is providing support to immigrants, including help with legal services and job placement.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.