Haitians in the US

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An increasing number of Haitian immigrants have settled in the United States in recent years. In the past, Haitians could secure their future in the US thanks to Temporary Protected Status, (TPS).

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The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of State, granted TPS to individuals from countries where ongoing conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary circumstances make it impossible to return without jeopardizing their lives.

However, the recent administration has made clear its rejection of immigrant populations including the Haitian population already settled in the country.

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A large number of Haitians are settled in South Florida as well as major cities along the East Coast such as New York, Boston and Washington D.C. According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 676,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States in 2015.

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Most Haitian immigrants in the United States arrived before the earthquake and have formed well-established communities in Florida and New York. There were 676,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States in 2015. From 1990 to 2015, the Haitian immigrant population has tripled in size.

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Looking at Massachusetts

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 As the Trump administration continues to threaten TPS, Haitian immigrants live in constant fear of deportation. Haitians are struggling to renew their status, yet another obstacle to those who have established a life in Massachusetts. Data from the Center for American Progress suggests that 2,300 workers in Massachusetts are Haitian TPS holders.

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How can we allow Haitian businesses to prosper if the population lives in fear of deportation?

 

The Everett Haitian Community Center is working on solutions with the local Haitian population on how to better integrate Haitian business owners. The center is improving relations with local governments in in order to allow businesses to run smoothly. In addition to working with the government, the Everett Haitian Community Center is casting a light on issues faced by the local Haitian community. 1 in 5 entrepreneurs in Massachusetts is an immigrant. Immigrants contribute $3.5 billion in state in local taxes every year. Without Haitian workers who hold Temporary Protective Status, the Massachusetts state GDP would lose $203.8 million.

 

To connect Haitian entrepreneurs and inform them about resources that can improve their businesses, the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce is organizing their second annual Haitian Business Expo on June 2 in Roxbury. The expo and job fair will showcase Haitian businesses, Churches, Nonprofit organizations, throughout the state of Massachusetts and Haiti.It will also serve as an excellent opportunity to showcase local elected officials, Haitian Dignitaries, supporters, sponsors and service providers to the Haitian Community. It will be an opportunity for vendors to sell and showcase their products and services.

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