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Boston Globe
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘We must hold space for joy.' In Boston, Haitian Flag Day brings optimism amid Trump immigration threats
It's a day, several people said, about freedom. It is a word imbued with special meaning for Haitians, who proudly talk about how their country was the first Black-led republic in the world after it won independence from European colonialism and slavery. Advertisement 'The idea of freedom is important to us, and always has been,' said Edwing Guilloteau, one of the chaperones with the Pathfinder drum corps, a Seventh-Day Adventist youth group that led the way in the parade, beating out a clean, jaunty march. 'Ever since Haiti began, we've been fighting to be recognized as free people.' Mirguenne Jean with Immigrant Family Services Institute singing a traditional song called, 'Carole Demesmin,' as a Haitian flag waves over her before the start of the Haitian Parade celebrating Haitian Flag Day in Mattapan Square on May 18, 2025. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Speakers and attendees alike spoke with a mix of uncertainty and optimism — about their home country and their adopted one, where the current Trump administration is seeking to deport increasing numbers of immigrants and Many of those who fled Haiti did so because of the severe political turmoil and widespread violence that has flourished there since a 2010 earthquake devastated and destabilized the country. It's never fully recovered; violent gangs continue to have significant sway, and its president was assassinated in 2021. Advertisement But the Haitian people persist, said 'We must hold space for joy,' she told a crowd, saying they'll work for a better Haiti that they can one day return to. 'We are here, we are strong, and we are getting even stronger.' And then she referred to President Trump's harsh immigration rhetoric, which has at times has at times specifically targeted Haitians. 'No matter what this administration says about our people, we know who we are,' she said. In August, the federal government Standing on a ridge in Harambee Park on Sunday, 38-year-old Joseph Wilson noted the uncertainty facing the Haitian diaspora. The Dorchester resident is here legally under TPS for now, but it's unclear what the future might bring for him and his six-month-old child. 'The news isn't very good,' he said, adding that he arrived in 2021. 'We don't know what's going to happen. ICE is everywhere.' He gestured around the park at people chowing down and chatting. 'But today's very calm.' Tamisha Civil, the Haitian Parade Grand Marshal, cutting a ribbon while flanked by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, and Councilor Julia Mejia at the start of the Haitian Day Parade celebrating Haitian Flag Day in Mattapan Square on May 18, 2025. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Greater Boston is home to more than 50,000 Haitian-born residents, according to a Advertisement In recent years, the region has become a who make their way north, often living for years in other countries like Brazil and Chile before continuing on to the United States. Tamisha Civil, the marshal of Sunday's parade, said there need to be more services available in the U.S. But locally, many people are on their side. 'Our parents came here seeking the American dream for the next generation,' she said, addressing the many young people in the crowd. 'You are all the next generation.' Sean Cotter can be reached at
Boston Globe
28-02-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
US must maintain temporary protected status for Haitians
On Jan. 12, Haitians around the world paused to remember the lives lost 15 years ago, when a massive earthquake shook the country, killing more than 300,000 people, according to Haiti's government. That was when the United States first granted a designation of Advertisement Close to 500,000 Haitians are now TPS beneficiaries in the United States. Of those, it is estimated that more than 16,000 Haitians have TPS in Massachusetts. TPS involves an extensive vetting process, and for many who are unable to return home, it is a lifesaving opportunity. Beneficiaries receive protection against deportation and a work permit allowing them to contribute to their communities. Unfortunately, this month the Trump administration For TPS to be extended, the United States must determine whether the conditions in immigrants' home countries have improved to allow them to return safely. Unfortunately, since 2010 Haiti has been caught in a downward spiral exacerbated by natural disasters, political turmoil, and health crises including cholera and COVID-19. Advertisement To make matters worse, then-President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021. The resulting leadership vacuum opened the floodgates for gang violence that has terrorized the population, displacing and killing thousands. Many of the early TPS recipients in the United States had hoped that the situation would quickly improve in Haiti and they would be able to safely return home and continue the rebuilding process. Little did they know what the future held. The Immigrant Family Services Institute in Boston helps immigrants integrate into the social and economic fabric of the United States. Most of the people who fled Haiti and seek services at the institute traveled through jungle terrain to get to the United States, and they faced death throughout their journeys. Despite the trauma so many endured to get to the United States, most Haitians have been determined to take full advantage of their opportunity to remain here. These workers fill the gaps wherever there is a need in the health care, construction, hospitality, or transportation industries. Often they put aside their pride; the diplomas they received as medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, bankers, educators; and the titles they earned in their home country after years of experience in the field, embracing new challenges with grace and humility. Some TPS recipients are taking classes at colleges and universities while working long hours to create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. Some are artists and musicians who share their creativity with others. Many Haitian TPS recipients speak multiple languages and bring with them such a vast array of expertise that employers feel blessed to have them. Advertisement The Trump administration's plan to end TPS for Haitians is deeply troubling. This is not the first time the Department of Homeland Security has tried to end it, and the decision should be reversed. People who have been following the rules, giving their best, and helping to make America such a great country should have a pathway to permanent status. This has been a long road of uncertainty and humiliation for many, and being depicted on national news as unwanted criminals is painful. From my daily conversations, I know that most Haitians are not losing hope, however. DHS should send an envoy to Haiti to reexamine the conditions on the ground. Any envoy's report cannot contradict what the whole world has been witnessing. Moreover, if all TPS recipients were to be sent back to Haiti, who would take care of elderly Americans in nursing homes, drive children to schools, Uber people to work, or cook and clean hotels, hospitals, and other institutions? Who would help in the construction industry? Such a move would adversely affect the US economy and the most vulnerable members of our community. Massachusetts and the country as a whole cannot afford a mass deportation of TPS recipients. Congress must take steps to renew and extend TPS for Haitians and others from such troubled countries as Venezuela, and it should consider a permanent pathway to citizenship for law-abiding TPS beneficiaries.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Really hunting us down': Border czar's fiery comments triggers immigrant community in Massachusetts
Fiery comments from Trump administration Border Czar Tom Homan at the Conservative Political Action Conference are fueling more uncertainty among the immigrant community in Massachusetts. Homan singled out Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, who recently doubled down on the city's sanctuary policies and said his officers would not assist ICE with deportation operations. 'You said you doubled down on not helping the law enforcement officers of ICE. I'm coming to Boston, and I'm bringing hell with me,' he said. The border czar also announced that ICE arrested 21,000 undocumented immigrants in Trump's first month in the Oval Office. He addressed criticism about ICE arresting immigrants without criminal charges. 'Yeah, damn right we did. Because you're in a country illegally, which happens to be a violation of our law,' Homan said. Immigrants who once felt safe in sanctuary cities like Boston and seven other Massachusetts communities are now feeling vulnerable. 'They are really hunting us down,' said Clemente Sajquiy, who resides in Massachusetts. 'It's dehumanizing.' Sajquiy, who's lived in Massachusetts for more than 15 years, is worried about being separated from his 11-year-old daughter. 'She feels intimidated. She feels the same fear,' he said. 'To us, as parents, that's just cruel and inhumane, to leave an 11-year-old behind without her parents.' The 39-year-old admits to illegally crossing the border after leaving his native Guatemala. However, he said he's worked hard to build an honest life in the United States and pays taxes. 'I'm starting to question things that I've never questioned before like my career or trying to build a business, have a family, buy a house,' said Sajquiy. Immigration attorney Giselle Rodriguez is advising people to plan for a worst-case scenario of who would care for their U.S.-born children should they get separated. 'I have clients, I know for a fact, they may get deported, but they will not bring their kids to a country that is in full chaos,' said Rodriguez. 'They should contact schools and change their emergency contact to someone who has status.' Advocates believe immigrants are being branded as criminals despite their contributions to the local workforce. 'Even employers are worried, especially in the health care industry, where there is such a huge shortage people working in that field,' said Dr. Geralde Gabeau, CEO of the Immigrant Family Services Institute. Dr. Gabeau said Homan's comments are not only triggering to the immigrant community but are also adding to their confusion. 'What did we do to deserve hell? Why is it that you're not bringing safety to us, and you're bringing hell to us?,' she questioned. 'We have a lot of questions to which we don't have answers.' Homan has warned jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement authorities will face consequences with federal funding. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
