What to do now: A Haitian community action guide after the TPS ruling | Updated

“Do not disappear. Do not panic. Organize. Prepare. Advocate.” The post What to do now: A Haitian community action guide after the TPS ruling | Updated appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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Jul 8, 2026 - 20:00
What to do now: A Haitian community action guide after the TPS ruling | Updated
Protestors look at flags for sale from a vendor at Central Park South in Manhattan on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Photo by Allison Hunter for The Haitian Times.

The Supreme Court has ruled. The threats are real. But Haitian leaders and advocates say this is not the time to panic. It is time to organize, prepare and act.

This guide is based on direct guidance from community leaders, legal advocates and organizers. It is updated as new or significant information becomes available. This version was last updated July 7, 2026.

Klike la pou vèsyon Kreyòl

PART 1: WHERE TO GET HELP

Many service groups, houses of worship, and civic organizations have reliable information to help the community understand their choices as new guidance or policies emerge. Following is a list of locations with large concentrations of Haitian TPS holders. 

For the latest official updates from the federal government, visit the USCIS Temporary Protected Status and scroll down on the left to the Haiti section. 

A. National groups offering support 

B. Groups in your state offering support 

California 

  • Haitian Bridge Alliance
    • Hotline: 1-619-693-8708
    • Reception: 1-619-215-1050 or 1-619-228-9576
    • info@haitianbridge.org

Colorado

Florida

Indianapolis

Massachusetts / New England

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune join city officials and community members for the Haitian Flag Raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune join city officials and community members for the Haitian Flag Raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox.

New York City

Comprises several Kreyol-speaking community groups that refer immigrants in need

Ohio 

Springfield area

Columbus area  

C. FAQs, toolkits, family planning and more resources 

The New York Immigration Coalition provides support with remote assistance for the Designation of a Person in Parental Relationships Form. To request such services, fill out this form via the QR code.
The New York Immigration Coalition provides support with remote assistance for the Designation of a Person in Parental Relationships Form. To request such services, fill out this form via the QR code.

C. Town halls, briefings, other gatherings  

  • A National TPS Rally is set for Thursday, July 9 with actions taking place in different locations: South Florida, New York, Boston, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Washington, D.C. Contact info@AvanseAnsanm.org for more information.
  • Contact your senator and other representatives to pass Senate Bill 4814 (S.4814), a bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your senators and urge them to vote YES.
  • Visit The Haitian Times community events section for the most updated list.

PART 2: GUIDANCE FOR HAITIAN FAMILIES  

Mayor Eric Adams deliver sremarks at a flag-raising ceremony for Haiti at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Advocates say there is still a short window, 32 days from the June 25 ruling, for all parties to understand such implications as:

  • When TPS is officially terminated     
  • Work permit guidance
  • Employer responsibilities
  • Legal options
  • Congressional action
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE mandates

IMPORTANT NOTE: TPS work authorization cards are valid through Friday, July 10, according to the USCIS. No further guidance has yet been issued.

In the meantime, contact a reputable immigration attorney or accredited representative to talk about your specific immigration case, including options that may be available to you through asylum, family and employment visas.

Use this time wisely, advocates say.

Do not disappear.

Do not panic.

Organize. Prepare. Advocate.

A. For Haitian TPS holders

Stay level-headed. Do not make decisions out of panic

Community leaders are warning against rash actions based on fear, rumors or coercion by bad-faith actors.

As of July 1, the USCIS announced that TPS work authorization cards are valid through Friday, July 10. No further guidance has yet been issued. Until new information becomes available:

Do NOT:

  • Stop going to work without understanding your options.
  • Pull your money out of the bank.
  • Transfer your money, home, car or other assets to someone else without legal advice that is in your best interest.

“Decisions need to be made level-headed,” Guerline Jozef, executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance advises. Visit their site for the tools, such as letters to employers.

Get the right information

Avoid misinformation.

Do:

  • Contact trusted organizations like the Haitian Bridge Alliance.
  • Attend legal clinics and community Zoom calls.
  • Speak directly with a licensed immigration attorney.

Do NOT rely on:

  • People on TikTok posing as lawyers
  • Rumors in WhatsApp groups
  • Fear-based messages and word-of-mouth

Compile your documents  

Keep your documents together handy and make copies to leave with a trusted person.

  • A-number
  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • TPS approvals
  • Employment records
  • Tax returns
  • Marriage certificates
  • Children’s birth certificates
  • Prior immigration filings

Prepare or review your family exit plan now

Advocates say preparation is critical.

Ask:

  • Who will care for your children if you are detained?
  • Who can manage your rent, bills and business?
  • Who can help with your medical needs?

Do:

  • Gather important documents.
  • Keep IDs, passports and immigration paperwork together.
  • Identify someone you trust to possibly act as your proxy.
  • Consider assigning power of attorney.

Important: It must be someone who truly has your best interests at heart.

Share your story

Advocates say your voice matters.

You can:

  • Share publicly.
  • Share anonymously.
  • Record voice notes.
  • Tell community organizations your story.

“If you don’t speak, there will be no one coming to save you,” Jozef says.

B. For naturalized citizens and permanent residents 

Call your senators — and other elected officials too

Advocates say the immediate goal is passing Senate Bill S4814 to give TPS holders a path to permanent residency or citizenship. 

What to ask:

  • Support the 3-year TPS extension.
  • Support long-term immigration protections.
  • Support permanent residency pathways.

Here’s a sample script to leave a message by phone or written message:

  • Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I’m a constituent from [Your City], [Your Zip Code].I am calling to urge Senator [Last Name] to support and co-sponsor S. 4814 to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. Haiti continues to face severe gang violence, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Families cannot be safely returned, and it is crucial that the Senate steps up to protect our community members. Please vote YES on S. 4814 to keep families together and support our Haitian neighbors.

Call local elected officials

Ask them to:

  • Contact senators directly.
  • Publicly support Haitian TPS holders.
  • Advocate for protections.

Show up beyond symbolism

Advocates made it clear. Supporting Haiti and Haitians means goes beyond waving the flag during festivities. It means:

  • Political action, such as pressuring elected officials 
  • Civic engagement, such as participating in rallies or holding phone banks to call members of Congress
  • Protecting Haitian families, by helping them navigate this uncertain time
  • Donating money to trusted organizations to support families 

PART 3: GUIDANCE FOR ALLIES  

A. For friends, neighbors, coworkers and employers

If someone you know is a TPS holder, this fight likely affects you too. To help, advocate for TPS holders to become permanent residents and support credible groups providing direct assistance. 

Call your senators

Ask them to support Senate Bill S4814. Introduced in the U.S. Senate on June 17, 2026, if passed into law, this legislation will require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for at least three years. 

Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your senators and urge them to vote YES on S4814.

Learn what to say or write from this toolkit by Faith In Action International.

If you have a business or organization, complete the Haitian Bridge Alliance form endorsing the extension of TPS.

Speak out publicly

Use your voice publicly.

Community leaders say silence from employers and business leaders hurts. A show of support publicly may help add pressure on elected officials to vote in favor of Haitian families. 

Support families with day-to-day needs

If you are able, try to assist with daily needs, such as:

  • Transportation   
  • Childcare
  • Legal referrals
  • Emotional support
  • Emergency planning help

Donate your time or money to assist

If you are able, give money or volunteer with credible organizations. 

Many legal, advocacy and service organizations in your area are providing direct assistance to TPS holders. Call or message them for guidance and support. 

Donations are critical for these groups to carry out programs such as legal guidance to individuals, local food banks, grocery delivery, gas and more.

B. For community groups, churches and service providers

Host emergency legal clinics

People need answers now. 

Fill the gap early and often by bringing in credible immigration attorneys who will be honest with them about what can be done now or not.

Create simple explainers

Advocates call for:

  • One-pagers
  • Easy-to-share resources
  • Clear guidance in plain language in English and Kreyòl.

Build support systems

People may stop:

  • Going to work or school
  • Grocery shopping
  • Attending appointments
  • Feel isolated or hopeless

Be ready to support:

  • Food access
  • Transportation
  • Childcare
  • Legal accompaniment
  • Outreach to ICE and other immigration or law enforcement offices 
  • Emotional or mental toll relief

Watch out for exploitation

Leaders warn that some people are preying on fear.

Watch for:

  • Fake lawyers, including paralegals or tax filers posing at attorneys 
  • Overpriced legal help
  • Fraudulent agreements 
  • Property and banking scams

Report abuse to local police or local community group you trust.

The post What to do now: A Haitian community action guide after the TPS ruling | Updated appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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