Brooklyn's Haitian community participates in national rally to uphold Temporary Protected Status
This all comes after a 6-3 Supreme Court decision, allowing the Trump administration to move forward with ending TPS.
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Dozens gathered at the Brooklyn Borough Hall rotunda on Thursday to make their voices heard as part of a national call to action.
The group is fighting to uphold Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the policy that has helped Haitian immigrants from deportation for decades.
“Morally I cannot, with good conscience, watch something like that happen and be OK with it,” said Samantha Bertier, who attended the rally.
Bertier told News 12 she was born in Haiti, came to the U.S. 25 years ago, and now works as a school counselor.
“These are my students,” said Bertier. “These are their parents. These are my friends, but beyond that, these are my fellow human beings.”
This all comes after a 6-3 Supreme Court decision, allowing the Trump administration to move forward with ending TPS.
The ruling has an impact in Brooklyn, particularly in the borough's Little Haiti community.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said that with many Haitians expected to lose their work authorization on Friday, it will impact industries in the city and across the country.
“Yes, this is a scary moment,” said Williams. “We want you to pay attention. We want you to get the information that you need. We’re going to do everything we can to fight. Be vigilant but know that there are people here who care about you, know that there are people here who will do everything we can to protect you.”
The group is now trying to do everything they can, which includes asking people to support Senate Bill 4814, which would help protect Haitians with TPS.
“I know there’s a lot of people that are in fear and searching for ways to make this, what they were promised, to stay permanent,” said Bertier.
