Florida leaders hoping for resolution as Trump administration pushes to end TPS for Haitians

MIAMI — On Friday, more than 300,000 Haitians living in the United States legally under Temporary Protected Status will become suddenly deportable and lose their work permits following last month’s Supreme Court decision that allows the Trump administration final discretion to end TPS.

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“I have so many members in my congregation that will be directly affected by such a cruel decision,” said Pastor Joanem “FanFan” Floreal, of the Shalom Community Church in South Florida.

The decision puts entire South Florida industries at stake, such as healthcare and hospitality.

“Haiti is an hour and 10 minutes from here. We cannot go to Port-au-Prince. I would love to go to Haiti and make it great again, so I can stay home,” South Florida resident Maggie Bellabe said.

Former Sant La Executive Director Gepsie Mettellus spoke to Local 10 in November when the Trump administration mentioned ending TPS for Haitian nationals.

“I have to turn this outrage, anger into action,” Mettellus said.

Action means calling lawmakers to co-sign Senate Bill 4814, extending TPS for three more years.

“I think we’ve got 20 some senators who’ve consigned the legislation now, and we’re waiting to get to 60,” Mettellus said.

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The Florida Restaurant Association co-signed a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin with a dozen groups nationwide pleading for guidance and protections for long-serving legally authorized workers central to operations.

Florida State Rep. Marie Woodson is among the lawmakers scrambling to engage the one option left, speaking to lawmakers.

“I have spoken to so many people, and the frustration is so high, the fear is so intense,” she said. “Some of them say they are trying, but I have not gotten any specific result.”

“The reality is we’re not gonna be able to make up that labor force tomorrow, nor next month, nor next year,” Mettellus said.

Lawyers say it’s time people call their immigration attorneys.

“The second thing they need to do is consult with an estate planning attorney,” immigration attorney Frandley Julien said. “We are not going to lie to the community. People will be deported if nothing changes.”

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