The Trump administration has begun stripping lawful status from Haitian immigrants following a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.
This move places thousands at risk of immediate deportation.
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An analysis by MS NOW of data from immigration advocacy groups and the Department of Homeland Security indicates that 1.8 million immigrants have lost their lawful status since the start of President Donald Trump's second term.
This figure includes individuals under TPS as well as those who entered through Biden-era humanitarian parole programs, including the CBP One application system for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
In Ohio, where about 50,000 Haitians reside, Republican Governor Mike DeWine warned that thousands of contributing members of the community will lose their jobs overnight as their work authorizations expire.
Immigrants Express Fear and Disappointment
The policy shift has drawn sharp criticism from affected immigrants who have built businesses and families in the United States over several decades.
"The idea of [the] United States, the 'land of opportunity for all' — is it really for all?" said Farah Larrieux, a 47-year-old small-business owner in Miramar, Florida.
Other immigrants expressed terror regarding the prospect of being forced to return to Haiti, which currently carries a Level 4 travel warning from the State Department due to rampant violence.
"I know I would die," said Vilbrun, an immigrant who noted he came to the country believing he had nothing to fear because he is not a criminal.
