Immigrants from Haiti have been granted TPS since 2010, but that will end much sooner than originally thought.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ A growing sense of unease continues to spread among immigrants and their families especially in Charlotteโs Haitian community.
Recently, the extension of temporary protected statusย (TPS) for Haitian immigrants has been canceled by the U.S. government, a move that directly impacts that community.
Temporary Protected Status is like a safety net. The U.S. government can designate a country for TPS if it’s too dangerous or unstable for its citizens to return. TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status, but recipients can apply to legally work in the U.S.
Immigrants from Haiti have been designated for TPS since 2010 according to the Department of Homeland Security. ย But that TPS will now end on August 3, 2025, instead of in February 2026 — the extension approved by the previous administration.
A DHS spokeswoman said โBiden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status by 18 months far longer than justified or necessary. We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary.โย
Earlier this year, an executive order also suspended the humanitarian parole program that benefitted immigrants from several countries, including Haiti. It was a program that allowed people from other countries facing a humanitarian crisis or dangerous living conditions to come to the U.S. temporarily and protected them from deportation.
For many Haitians who arrived under the humanitarian program, life in the U.S. was supposed to be a fresh start. But now, with deportations looming and no guarantee of status extensions, they are left in limbo.
Carl Pierre is an immigration attorney and the founder of The Law Offices of Carl Pierre Founder and immigration attorney. He said there are options for those now worried about what the future holds.
โIt is chaotic, but we are here to make sense of the mess,โ he said. โItโs understandable why there would be so much fear during this time because for some communities it is almost like a death sentence to be sent back.”
Pierre is bridging the gap for those seeking answers because he knows firsthand the complexities of immigration.
โMy parents were once immigrants that came to this country and they were able to get their citizenship,โ said Pierre. โThere were issues with language barriers, and so I understand how difficult it can be, and to be Haitian descent, speak Creole and give that level of comfort.โ
Haitian immigrants who legally came to the U.S. through the humanitarian parole program are facing the threat of deportation with its suspension. But Pierre says all hope is not lost.
โThat is a proper admission — in that advance parole that you have,โ said Pierre. โSo, there are ways for you to adjust if there is a family petition that can be done for you or a work petition.โ
WCNC Charlotte spoke with a man named Robert, who is protecting his identity. He is a parole program recipient and was approved back in December of 2023.
โWhen I was approved to the program, I felt like it was a new beginning,โ he said.
He has made Mecklenburg County his home, where he said he experienced a welcoming community.
“People were very cooperative, supportive, very kind. From family members to people I met at work or elsewhere, itโs been something pretty wonderful,โ said Robert.
He quickly found work in healthcare and has his own place.
โIโm here, and as far as I can tell I already have everything going on,โ said Robert. โI have a job and I feel like the sky is the limit but it is not something no one wishes for — to start over or interrupt what you have going on.โ
Robert applied for temporary protection status, but still hasnโt heard back from immigration officials. He hopes a path towards permanent residency or even citizenship is granted because he dreams of furthering his education and building a home in Charlotte.
โI can only hope that whoever is in charge will take us in consideration and be more human, I guess,โ said Robert.
Pierre is urging those who are worried to know their rights and what to do if agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes knocking.
โIf they do not have a warrant, you do not have to answer any questions. You do not have to answer your door,โ said Pierre. He also suggests people should tell the agent to slip any warrants under the door to be inspected.
โIf they do present a warrant, it needs to be signed by a judge or magistrate. If it is not signed, do not open your door,” Pierre added.
If a proper warrant is presented, ask to speak to an attorney before you answer any questions
Pierre also adds there is hope for those without legal status
โThere are so many channels to and opportunities to correct or rectify illegal entry,โ he said.
Pierre says he does not know of any raids locally, but is telling families to have a plan in place in case they are detained or deported. If you have any questions, donโt wait to speak to an attorney.
Pierre is hosting an immigration clinic at Myers Park on March 16 at 1:30 p.m. for anyone who has questions about their status or immigration needs.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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