New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in defending the legal status of more than 250,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States, filing an amicus brief to block federal efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.
The brief, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, supports a lawsuit brought by Haitian immigrants challenging the administration’s decision to revoke TPS, a move advocates say would endanger lives and tear families apart. The attorneys general are urging the court to grant the plaintiffs’ request to postpone the termination.
“Haitian immigrants are a valuable part of our communities and local economies, helping make New York and this nation what they are today,” James said in a statement. “This administration’s attempt to revoke their legal status would put hundreds of thousands of people in danger and threaten to tear apart families. I will continue to fight to protect TPS so Haitians who came to our country to build a better life can continue to pursue the American dream.”
TPS was first granted to Haitians following the devastating 2010 earthquake, and has been extended several times due to ongoing instability. The Department of Homeland Security most recently extended protections in 2024. Despite widespread violence and political unrest in Haiti, the administration has moved to terminate the program, affecting at least 56,000 Haitians living in New York.
Advocates warn the change would have sweeping consequences. Many Haitian TPS holders are parents of U.S. citizen children—an estimated 200,000 nationwide—forcing families to choose between separation, uprooting children to an unstable Haiti, or living in the U.S. without authorization.
The attorneys general argue that ending TPS would harm local economies and public health. Haitians contribute an estimated $4.4 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with many filling critical roles in healthcare, education, and construction. Terminating their work permits would not only reduce economic activity but also cut off access to health insurance for many families, while fears of deportation could deter immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement.
The coalition contends that the administration’s move to end TPS is arbitrary, discriminatory, and unconstitutional. In addition to New York, the attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia joined in the filing.
