Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined Haitian community leaders, faith leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and local elected officials at Bethany French Baptist Church in Elmont following a federal court decision pausing the Trump administration’s attempt to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.

Federal Court Blocks Termination of TPS

Judge Ana Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a stay blocking the termination of Haiti’s TPS designation, which had been scheduled to take effect on Feb. 3, 2026. TPS remains in effect for now, though the ruling remains subject to appeal by the current federal administration. The decision protected approximately 350,000 Haitian TPS holders nationwide from immediately losing legal status and facing deportation.

In her 83-page opinion, Judge Reyes cited serious procedural and legal flaws, finding that the Department of Homeland Security failed to adequately assess conditions in Haiti, did not properly notify required agencies, and ignored requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act. She also pointed to statements by DHS leadership suggesting baseless hostility – or racism – toward non-white immigrants.

Community Leaders Call for Permanent Solutions

Speakers emphasized that while the ruling provides immediate relief, it remains temporary. Advocates called for dignity, stability, and a permanent legal pathway to citizenship for Haitian TPS holders.

“My Haitian brothers and sisters need to know: you are not alone, and your struggle is not invisible,” said Assemblywoman Solages. “What we are talking about here is not politics, but basic humanity… TPS exists because we know as a nation that it is wrong to send people back to danger.”

Assemblywoman Solages stressed that Haitian families are deeply embedded in local communities as healthcare workers, educators, parents, and contributors to the economy, and urged Congress and the administration to move beyond temporary protections.

Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages urged the community to reject fear, reminding attendees of Haiti’s historic legacy of freedom and resistance.

Nassau County Legislator Cynthia Núñez emphasized that TPS exists to protect people when return would be unsafe and inhumane, noting that TPS holders are neighbors, workers, and family members.

Health, Economic, and Moral Stakes

Dr. Karl Latortue, New York Chapter President of the Haitian Medical Association Abroad (AMHE), highlighted the public health consequences of instability, calling dignity a “social determinant of health” and urging a permanent legal pathway.

Legislator Viviana Russell underscored the economic costs of mass deportation, citing an estimated $88 billion price tag and warning of labor shortages in essential sectors.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen, who joined the legal challenge, called on the administration to immediately extend TPS, while Mark Appell of the Haitian Bridge Alliance warned that temporary relief is not enough and urged permanent protections.