New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a coalition of 18 state attorneys general in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the legal protections of hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Haiti and Syria living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), with a strong emphasis on Haitian nationals who make up the vast majority of beneficiaries.
In an amicus brief filed with the court, James and the coalition argue that efforts to terminate TPS for countries including Haiti and Syria would place significant hardship on families and destabilize communities across the country. The filing asks the court to uphold lower court rulings that have temporarily blocked the termination of the program.
TPS, which allows immigrants from countries facing conflict or disaster to live and work legally in the U.S., has been in place for Haitians since 2010. The coalition notes that approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals currently benefit from the designation nationwide, including at least 5,400 in New York City alone.
The attorneys general argue that Haitian TPS holders are deeply integrated into U.S. society and the economy, particularly in essential sectors such as health care and home care services. Many work as home health aides and in other caregiving roles that state officials say are critical to maintaining public services.
“For generations, we have welcomed those fleeing danger in their home countries,” James said, adding that TPS holders “hold valuable roles in our communities as business owners, workers, teachers, and parents.”
The brief also highlights the economic contributions of Haitian TPS holders, estimating they contribute about $3.4 billion annually to the U.S. economy. It further warns that ending their legal protections could force families into unstable situations, including separation from U.S.-born children or return to Haiti, which the U.S. State Department continues to warn against due to violence, political instability, and limited access to health care.
The coalition argues that revoking TPS would also create broader public health and safety risks, as many immigrants could avoid seeking medical care or cooperating with law enforcement due to fear of deportation.
Alongside James, attorneys general from 17 states and the District of Columbia joined the filing, including officials from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.
