Haitians: Beware of bad advice about Trump’s deportation pledges

Editor’s Note: The following article should not be considered legal advice. For assistance with immigration issues, please consult a reputable attorney for appropriate guidance.

NEW YORK — With President-elect Donald Trump gearing up to take office, anxiety is spreading among some Haitian immigrants so intensely that many are turning to unreliable sources for legal advice. Amid the uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Biden’s humanitarian parole program as well as reports of people fleeing certain areas, immigrant advocates are urging the community to stay calm, emphasizing preparation over panic.

The surge in panic has been fueled largely by misinformation online, including a TikTok listing so-called “safe” places to move to under Trump’s presidency. According to advocates, some trusted community sources and relatives are also sharing poor or unverified advice. But despite having good intentions, the advice is misleading.

From the larger umbrella service providers to community-based groups and individual practitioners, the questions continue to come as people worry about mass deportation. Answers seem to fall into three categories: It’s too early to give legal advice, remember that TPS or CHNV are legal status, and stay calm and prepare your documents.

“There’s always misinformation when there is a change in administration, in either direction,” explained Margaret Martin, co-director of Immigrant and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. “The misinformation, confusion and fear is going to increase.”

No blanket legal advice available right now 

Catholic Charities, an umbrella group that services immigrants and refugees of all nationalities, says the calls are coming to them from community partners and city agencies alike. 

“We don’t know when it’s going to happen, how it’s going to happen or if it’s going to happen,” an attorney with the Haitian Response Initiative (HRI) told The Haitian Times. “Everyone is kind of in a state of confusion, so we try to keep our clients calm.”

“Don’t listen to TikTok,” the HRI attorney added, referring to unverified advice on the platform.

Elsie Saint-Louis, executive director of Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP) in Brooklyn, said her organization has been inundated with calls since the election.

“It’s nonstop. People are worried,” Saint-Louis said. 

“None of us know what Trump will do,” she added. “Just wait, mind your business and stay out of trouble, and do what you do. That’s all you can do.”

Emmanuel Depas, a New York-based lawyer, said he has received lots of calls from families. 

“It’s on a case by case basis,” Depas said. “There’s not one solution for everybody.

Based on interviews The Haitian Times conducted with community leaders and advocates, here are the most common questions Haitians are calling about.

Is my TPS still valid?

Yes. If you have TPS until 2026 for example, it remains valid until then, regardless of speculation. Advocates urge TPS holders to ensure their paperwork is current.

I’m here on the Biden program. Do I have to leave in two years?

The program was always intended as temporary. Whether the two years apply from entry or program start is unclear. For now, advocates recommend focusing on renewing documents and seeking legal advice if eligible for status adjustment.

What should I do now?

Community leaders suggest gathering important immigration documents, avoiding fraudsters, and seeking help from credible legal organizations.

Overall, the consensus among the advocates and attorneys is for families to continue living their lives, stay informed through credible channels and ensure their documents are in order. They encourage people to turn to established organizations or reputable immigration attorneys with expertise in their particular circumstances.

They also encourage Haitians to avoid self-proclaimed lawyers or notarios promising quick fixes or telling them what they want to hear. 

“We let people know that at this moment, nothing has changed,” Martin said. “If it does change after January 20th, we will be here to let people know what those changes mean for them. In the meantime, just keep doing the same thing they were doing before.”

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