By Currents News
Thousands of Haitians seeking refuge in the United States are breathing a sigh of relief after a federal judge blocked a motion to end their Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Parishioners gathered Tuesday at St. Jerome Church in East Flatbush to celebrate the decision, offering prayers in Creole. Temporary Protected Status allows immigrants from designated countries to live and work legally in the United States until it is deemed safe for them to return home.
An estimated 350,000 Haitians currently benefit from the program. The Department of Homeland Security first designated Haiti for TPS in 2010 following a devastating earthquake. Those attending the Mass said conditions in Haiti remain extremely unstable and that many fear what would happen if they were forced to return.
“There’s no security — they’re kidnapping, they’re raping, they’re killing,” said Jean Nelzy Solages, a parishioner at St. Jerome Church. “We don’t want to see the people go back at this time.”
Pierre Kesnel Elisee, a parishioner at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church, echoed those concerns, describing widespread violence and instability. “They’re burning houses, they’re kidnapping,” he said. “Fourteen-year-olds are being recruited by gangs to commit atrocities.”
Michele Guerrier, a member of the Haitian Apostolate, called the situation in Haiti “unimaginable” and said it goes against basic Christian values.
Following the court’s decision, many churches across the Diocese of Brooklyn plan to hold Masses of thanksgiving for the temporary stay, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in East Flatbush.