(Brooklyn, NY) - Yesterday, January 7, 2019, several public figures, community leaders and sponsors joined 32BJ SEIU and the National Lawyer's Guild for a press conference ahead of a trial challenging the Trump Administration's rescission of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and other migrant populations. The trial is set to investigate the motives of the government in rescinding the program, citing the Trump administration's anti-immigration rhetoric as a probable reason. Among those present at the demonstration were Assemblymembers Rodneyse Bichotte, and Michaelle Solages, and Councilman Jumaane D. Williams and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez who all advocated in defense of TPS.

"As a child of Haitian immigrants, I am deeply offended by the actions of the Trump Administration. Haitians have contributed so much to our country. They have provided culture and added to the tax base. It is unfair to separate and displace our families," says Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte. "Haitians still have the spirit of the revolution that freed them from slavery. So today, we stand firm in one accord against the recission of TPS."

The trial, Saget et al v. Trump, is underway at the Eastern District and will last seven days. The plaintiffs in the case are several individuals, and a couple of organizations that will be impacted by the phase out of TPS. Without TPS, about 50,000 Haitian immigrants will have to rapidly arrange for their departure or seek alternative legal immigration status.

Related readings:

• Kings County Politics - Elected officials, Activists Rally To Stop Deportation of TPS Haitian Immigrants
• BK Reader - Bklyn Trial Begins to Halt Trump’s Move to End TPS for Haitians
• Gothamist - Brooklyn Lawsuit Aims To Revive Protection For Haitian Immigrants
• Color Lines - Trial Begins to Halt Trump's Termination of TPS for Haitians
• The Guardian - Flee or hide: Haitian immigrants face difficult decisions under Trump