As pathways to stay in U.S. close, marriage chatter grows  

COLUMBUS, Ohio — At a public assistance office on Northland Park Ave last week, a sense of impatience lingered in the air as people slowly shuffled forward in the line. As the fluorescent lights flickered overhead, buzzing softly in the quiet space, some flipped through papers, others checked their phones. 

Friends Marijolie Augustin and Stevenson Charles stood next to each other, awaiting their turn across from the counter and speaking with The Haitian Times.

“Marrying for documents is not ideal, but…” Stevenson whispered, then paused, “We have no choice. If they revoke our status, we’ll be sent back, and I don’t know what awaits us there.” 

Charles stood with his arms crossed. His face was etched with worry; his posture was firm as he contemplated what to do if Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is revoked.  

Augustin, an Artibonite region native in her mid-30s, was wringing her hands nervously. The idea of going back to Haiti, a place she’d left due to the gang violence, filled her with dread.

She glanced at him, eyes filled with silent understanding, and nodded solemnly.

“It’s a risk, but at least here, we have a chance if we marry an American,” she said. “At least here, we can survive.” 

By the following day, the Haitian TPS expiration date moved up as U.S. immigration policies took yet another rapid turn. That Thursday, the Trump administration said it was shortening TPS for Haitians from February 2026 to August 2025. The announcement came on the heels of a memo the day prior saying the administration was pausing the processing of all Biden-era immigration program applications. 

Both added up to yet another blow for Haitians living and working here legally as TPS recipients, though not unexpected. Since Trump won the 2024 election, his threats of mass deportation had already prompted some immigrants to explore drastic measures such as marriage to a U.S. citizen to secure permanent residency and dubious offers to cross into Canada. Other, less common, propositions bordered on illegality.

“People are being fed the wrong information, and it’s pushing some to take drastic and dangerous risks,” said Yola Lamarre, a community liaison and immigration advocate with HaCoNet. 

“[These] rumors and misinformation lead to unnecessary fear and decisions that could hurt their futures,” Lamarre said. “The real danger is when people make moves based on false hopes or misconceptions, without fully understanding the risks they are taking.”

Desperation grows as pathways narrowed 

The idea of marrying a U.S. citizen as a quick and surefire solution to immigration struggles has circulated for decades, often reinforced by family advice and media portrayals. However, the reality is very complex, requires extensive proof of a legitimate relationship, and triggers intense scrutiny by immigration authorities seeking to stop marriage fraud. Plus, a fraudulent union can lead to severe consequences, including a lifetime ban from obtaining legal status. 

Yet, the constant news of immigration programs closing or pausing has led some to still view marriage as a lifeline to stay in America. Even though the chances of a union passing immigration’s scrutiny is getting ever slimmer in this climate, some people are still drawn to the idea. The chatter seems to be all around, as people discuss it online and in local establishments.

At T-Co’s Restaurant on a recent Wednesday, the topic came up inside the Haitian eatery.

A.P., a 43-year-old originally from Jacmel that The Haitian Times is not naming due to his fear of deportation, was among those considering it. For him, marriage might help secure a future for his family back home, who face the threat of gang violence daily.

“Before my TPS expires, I’ll find a way to stay,” A.P. said in Creole, while waiting for his griyo order. “My daughter, I have to bring her here. Even if it means marrying for papers, it’s worth it.”

Behind the counter of the Cleveland Avenue eatery on the Northside, owner Clacia “T-Co” Dossous, has seen firsthand the anguish and anxiety many of her customers face. She’s especially aware of the delicate situation among those desperate to reunite with or provide for their families through marriage.

“It’s like a business love affair,” she said last Wednesday, shaking her head, a wry smile on her face. “People think that marrying someone will solve all their problems. But it’s tripòt [just talk]. It’s messy.”

Still, A.P., the Jacmel native, was seriously thinking about pursuing the option.

“I was told it could cost about $15,000, and I’d be willing to pay,” he said, sitting down at the table to wait for his order, hands resting on his knees as he glanced around the small restaurant.

“I am ready to play the role of someone’s husband,” he added, his voice calm but firm. “If it doesn’t work out, I will return to Haiti,” he says. “I refuse to live in the U.S. as someone illegal.”

Advocates warn against potential fraud

In immigrant rights organizations, the desperation is acute. Pro bono attorneys, immigrant advocacy groups and some community service providers helping Haitians explore legitimate options often have to warn some clients to ignore poor advice such as marrying for papers.

Groups like the Ohio Immigrant Alliance and National Immigration Law Center assist those affected by pushing for protective legislation for Haitian immigrants. At HaCoNet, immigrants can receive free or reduced-cost legal services.

“Many of us came to this country hoping to build a future, but the system is complicated,” said Barthelemy Louis Francois, a high school janitor who has turned to HaCoNet for support, while standing in line to order at T-Co’s.

“Without their support, I wouldn’t know where to start,” Louis Francois said. “They help us fight for a future here, not just for ourselves but for our children, too.” 

David Maturin, a truck driver who moved to Columbus a year ago, said he wishes the administration saw TPS holders the way these organizations do—as human beings.

“We are not just a number,” Maturin said. “We are fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, and neighbors. The work done by those who stand with us gives us the strength to keep believing in a better tomorrow.”

The post As pathways to stay in U.S. close, marriage chatter grows   appeared first on The Haitian Times.

---

As pathways to stay in U.S. close, marriage chatter grows   was first posted on February 28, 2025 at 11:10 am.