Facing Trump threats, many Haitian immigrants and supporters hold steady and prepare 

In the month since President-elect Donald Trump was elected, his mass deportation campaign has taken up a significant amount of media attention. Yet, for those most vulnerable to his deportation threat, a wait-and-see attitude prevails.

“It is what it is,” said Kesnel Tonderau, who has Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and lives outside of Philadelphia. 

“I’m waiting for what’s coming,” texted a TPS recipient, a life insurance salesperson, based in Boston. “I count on the LORD!!”

In Florida, Robenson Bernard was among those looking at his options instead of panicking. During the week before Thanksgiving, the TPS holder set an appointment with an immigration attorney in North Miami to see if he might qualify for an EB-1 visa, granted to foreigners who have “extraordinary ability.”

In contrast to initial reports after the election of Haitians fleeing in droves, across the country, many immigrants, nonprofits and advocates for asylum seekers appear to be holding steady. They are examining ways to adjust, if necessary while advising people to live their regular lives for now. 

Certainly, some states and cities – including Indiana and New York City – are vowing to cooperate with federal authorities at different levels, but welcoming cities such as Denver, Philadelphia and Chicago are showing signs of push-back. Some local institutions, including the nation’s second-largest school district, Los Angeles, have created ordinances and declarations to oppose mass deportations. With resistance, these officials say, the federal deportations will cost more money to carry out.

Focus on preparing for unknown, not fleeing  

In October, the Indianapolis City Council passed its 2025 budget, ensuring many of its programs and events affecting immigrants, including language and leadership projects, would continue. 

“[My office] remains steadfast in its mission of ensuring and connecting Indy residents and enhancing the quality of life of the community,” said Ruth Morales, Director of The Office of International and Latino Affairs.

“I think the biggest thing that we’re doing is ensuring that we have those relationships that we’ve built throughout the years,” Morales said. “And that the community also knows we’re here.”

“Get ready in a sense that they are more knowledgeable of their rights as immigrants and their status,” he said. “If they have to decide [a course of action], they will not decide by ignorance but will have the true information and all they need to know to help them to make the right decision.”

He also wants people to know that if the upcoming administration decides to revoke TPS, it might be challenged in court. Plus, if approved, it’s not something that will happen overnight, so immigrants must continue to do what they’ve been doing while others advocate on their behalf.

The post Facing Trump threats, many Haitian immigrants and supporters hold steady and prepare  appeared first on The Haitian Times.