OPINION: New York Senator, Attorney General, Mayor Weigh In On SCOTUS Gutting Legal Asylum Seeking, Refusal To Recognize Blatant Racism Against Haitians, Syrians
We previously covered the Attorney General’s opinion on this matter as it worked its way very quickly through the courts to come before the Supreme Court. This decision devastates the hopes and dreams of many Haitian and Syrian immigrants fleeing persecution and violence, destruction, war, and even famine in their home countries. As we learned in Groundswell, there are more and more climate refugees as well as people fleeing their lands which have become desertified due to conventional farming practices, particularly chemical inputs and over tilling. On the basis of their national origin, their temporary status, allowing them to live and work while their final application for citizenship is considered, can be revoked without cause, and they can be summarily deported regardless of how long they have lived in the US (in many cases for decades). Many Haitian migrants fled environmental destruction and increasing violence decades ago to find a better life here.
Below are statements about this decision from several local politicians. When more are received they’ll be added. We’re waiting for Staten Island’s Congresswoman to weigh in, as she had previously discussed the essentiality of immigrant workers to Healthcare and other important services.
GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON CRUEL AND INHUMANE SUPREME COURT DECISION ALLOWING TRUMP TO TERMINATE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Trump administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision is deeply wrong, cruel, and inhumane. Haitian and Syrian New Yorkers are vital to our culture and our workforce. Sending them back to Haiti and Syria right now in their current state guarantees absolute tragedy and puts their lives in immediate danger. Ripping these families from their homes will devastate local communities and directly harm New York’s economy. I will not stop fighting to protect our neighbors from these cruel, politically motivated deportations.”
New York is home to one of the largest Haitian communities in America. Additionally, there are approximately 56,800 TPS holders in New York, with more than 5,400 Haitian TPS holders living in New York City alone. In 2023, New York TPS households earned $2.3 billion in income, paid $348.9 million in federal taxes and $305.5 million in state and local taxes, and contributed $1.6 billion in spending power.
Attorney General James Releases Statement on Supreme Court Temporary Protected Status Ruling
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move forward with stripping Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants:
“TPS was created to protect those from countries suffering armed conflict and humanitarian crises. Today, there are countless Haitian and Syrian New Yorkers with TPS who were counting on our country to uphold our commitments as they build lives free from the fear and turmoil they fled. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has now let the Trump administration rip that protection away.
“This ruling is a betrayal of our values and of the promise our country made to protect people from displacement, repression, and harm. Hundreds of thousands of TPS holders have built families, careers, businesses, and communities here in the United States. They are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and loved ones, and they deserve more than to have their lives thrown into chaos by a cruel and reckless administration.
“My office will continue to stand with immigrant communities and fight for the people who came to this country seeking safety and helped build our state and nation in return.”
Attorney General James led several amicus briefs opposing the termination of TPS, including briefs filed with the Supreme Court.
Statement From Mayor Mamdani on Supreme Court Decision Allowing Termination of TPS for Haitian and Syrian Immigrants
NEW YORK – In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the federal government to terminate legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants in the United States, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement:
“The Supreme Court just sparked one of the largest attacks on immigrants in modern American history. In one fell swoop, thousands of Haitians and Syrians now risk losing the right to live and work in the country they call home.
“These are people who fled earthquakes, famine, war and political violence. People who came to this country looking for freedom, safety and democracy. They built lives here. They raised families here. They opened small businesses, attended church and mosque, looked after their neighbors. America is home.
“This decision will cause enormous pain across the five boroughs. Here in New York, it falls hardest on our Haitian community, one of the largest in the country, alongside Syrian families. To the tens of thousands of New Yorkers with TPS who are watching the news, frightened about what comes next, hear me clearly: New York City is your home. You belong here. We will not turn our backs on you.
“The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs will share additional information and resources soon. If you have questions about your status or need legal assistance, call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365. Free and confidential help is available.
“You will not face this cruelty alone. This administration will stand alongside immigrant New Yorkers today, tomorrow, and every day that follows.”
Banner Image: Haitian families. Image Credit – TopSphere Media
Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer
This byline indicates that this article was penned by a member/members of the Staten Islander News Organization office team. Our staff writers are the backbone of our newspaper, performing all sorts of important tasks like conducting interviews, investigating leads, besides writing the news stories you see.
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