Letitia James Leads Fight to Shield Haitian Venezuelan TPS Holders,…

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a multi-state legal offensive to safeguard Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Venezuelan immigrants. The fight comes as the federal government attempts to dismantle the program, potentially throwing the lives of established residents into chaos.

Today, Attorney General James, alongside Attorneys General from 15 other states, filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The brief challenges the administration’s attempt to illegally terminate TPS for Haitian and Venezuelan nationals, many of whom have lived, worked, and raised families in the United States for years. The legal move follows a lower court ruling that found the administration’s termination of TPS unlawful.

“Haitian and Venezuelan individuals with Temporary Protected Status contribute enormously to our communities by starting businesses, building families, and attending our schools,” stated Attorney General James. “This administration’s cruel attempt to end their legal status abruptly and illegally endangers hundreds of thousands of immigrants who fled violence and oppression to build a better life in this country. I will continue to fight to protect the rights of our immigrant communities.”

Despite ongoing humanitarian crises in both Haiti and Venezuela – with the U.S. State Department warning of safety concerns – the previous administration attempted to revoke TPS for immigrants from both nations shortly after the Biden administration extended the program. Should this termination stand, it would trigger widespread chaos for hundreds of thousands nationwide, many having sought refuge from violence, oppression, and poverty. Without TPS, these immigrants would lose work authorization and face potential deportation, endangering themselves and their families.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California correctly ruled the government’s action as arbitrary, capricious, and illegal. Revoking TPS would inflict significant economic, public health, and public safety disruptions across communities nationwide. The amicus brief highlights the potential impact on U.S. citizen family members. In 2022, approximately 54,000 children and 80,000 adults lived with a Venezuelan TPS recipient, and nearly 87,000 children and 116,000 adults lived with a Haitian TPS recipient.

The economic contributions of Haitian and Venezuelan TPS holders are also substantial. Nationally, Venezuelan TPS recipients contribute over $11 billion to the economy annually, while Haitian TPS recipients contribute $4.4 billion. In New York State alone, TPS households generated $2.3 billion in income and paid $348.9 million in federal taxes. The legal battle is far from over, but Attorney General James is signaling a firm commitment to protecting these vulnerable communities from what she calls a politically motivated attack on their livelihoods and well-being.

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