The Haitian community in the US was in disarray following the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for undocumented Haitians living in the US.
TPS was first granted to Haitian immigrants in 2010 by President Barack Obama after the devastating earthquake that struck the country. The designation was made due to the “extraordinary and temporary conditions” caused by the earthquake, which made it unsafe for Haitians fleeing to the US to return. In the years following the earthquake, the designation was extended several times as socio-economic and political conditions deteriorated in Haiti, culminating in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021, followed by escalating violence from marauding gangs. TPS allowed Haitians to live and work legally in the US. By terminating the designation, these undocumented immigrants would face deportation by early September.
The plight of the thousands of Haitians now facing the real possibility of deportation is understandable, but the designation, although it has been in place for some 15 years, is temporary. As the situation in Haiti worsened after Moise’s assassination, with gangs taking over the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other towns and cities, the continuation of TPS in the US has been a safety valve for those seeking to escape the country.
Even as Haitian leaders in Florida and elsewhere in the US appeal to the Trump administration for reconsideration of the TPS termination, it is ultimately the responsibility of leaders in Haiti to take a committed stance in creating law and order in their country.
Last year, in the midst of political uncertainty overshadowed by continuing gang violence, and with input from Caribbean and other international leaders, a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) was created in Haiti.
The TPC was formed to guide Haiti through a transitional period following the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The primary role of the council was to appoint a new prime minister, establish an electoral council, and organize general elections to be held by February 2026. The council also had the responsibility of working with the international community to deploy a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to help restore and maintain security in Haiti.
The council encountered problems early in its tenure. Garry Conille, who was appointed prime minister in mid-2024, lasted only a few months. He was dismissed by the council amid infighting and corruption allegations. His successor, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, appointed in November 2024, seems to be coping with the prevailing pressure, but much more needs to be done. Moreover, there are no indications to date that elections are planned to be held by February 2026.
For years, through multiple crises, Haiti has depended on foreign assistance and intervention to save the country. But as the current crisis continues, international support for Haiti seems to have waned, especially from the US.
It’s becoming increasingly evident that Haiti’s recovery hinges on a strong, legitimate Haitian-led government, backed by robust international support, particularly for security, police reform, and institutional rebuilding.
It’s important for the TPC to evolve into a credible leadership entity with a clear security plan and visible authority. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s recent presentation of a $644 million investment plan shows potential, but ultimately authority must rest with Haitian institutions at all levels.
With security and safety a major problem for Haitian residents and businesses, it’s vital that a professional, depoliticized Haitian National Police force be built with international mentorship, anti-corruption vetting, and proper funding.
To further enhance security, the MSS mission needs to be strengthened. The existing Kenyan-led MSS mission provides vital, immediate relief, but only about 1,000 of the anticipated 2,500 troops are currently in Haiti. A UN logistical support office, as proposed by Antonio Guterres, could supply drones, vehicles, fuel, and a joint operations center to enhance capability.
The Haitian Diaspora also has a major responsibility. It should attempt to partner with local Haitian communities to support, for example, secure development zones. But it’s important that developments in Haiti reflect Haitian priorities, not external imposition.
There’s a great need for a Haitian-led reconstruction agency, a transparent body similar to the agency that organized post-tsunami efforts in Indonesia. While this agency may need to launch with international support, it should ultimately transition to full Haitian control. Such an agency can coordinate aid, rebuild infrastructure, and restore services.
The fact that TPS in the US may no longer be a safety valve for Haitians should mobilize Haitian leaders to step up efforts to take control of the country and restore stabilization. But resolving Haiti’s crisis will take years, not months. There is no quick-fix solution.
A duly elected and effective government, bolstered by well-integrated international support, offers the clearest path to long-term stability and functionality.
