Statement from BPHA Caucus Chair Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Assemblywoman Phara Forrest Regarding SCOTUS Decision to End Temporary Protected Status for Haitian & Syrian Migrants

 “As Chairs of the Caucus, Task Force on New Americans, and as Haitian Americans, we are both appalled and irate at this blatantly discriminatory decision by the Supreme Court to side with the Trump Administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Haitian and Syrian refugees.

TPS has long served as a lifeline for individuals escaping significant political, economic, and environmental crises in their home countries. Ending TPS for Haitian and Syrian refugees will destabilize the lives of hundreds of thousands who have built their lives here, and uproot families and communities. 

Furthermore, many TPS holders fill essential roles in industries such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, and transportation, contributing billions of dollars to the economy through their labor. Forcing them to return to dangerous conditions risks their safety and well-being and will have an adverse impact on the nation’s economy. 

We are outraged and disheartened that the Supreme Court, who has been tasked to uphold justice and protect our rights, has instead chosen to wield their power in a way that advances their lopsided ideology and blatant bias. It is painful to watch the communities we grew up in be razed in such a targeted and racist manner.  

As the Supreme Court continues to threaten the liberties that define this country, New York stands firm in its commitment to protect our immigrant neighbors. The Caucus and Task Force have been  steadfast advocates for these communities, helping to secure a comprehensive immigration package in the FY 2026-2027 budget to safeguard their rights.

We will not turn our back on immigrant New Yorkers. We remain, as we have always been, the place where the world arrives and America begins.”