The Haitian community in Orlando, Florida, is bracing for the uncertainty surrounding potential deportations following the recent loss of work permit protections for Venezuelans. As tensions rise, Haitian families are deeply concerned that the political shifts affecting one immigrant group might soon ripple across others, impacting their own ability to stay in the United States.
The Changing Landscape for Immigrants
The Biden administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans has left many in the Haitian community feeling vulnerable. TPS is a program designed to provide temporary work permits and relief from deportation for individuals from countries that are deemed unsafe due to crises like armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. For Venezuelans, TPS was enacted in response to the country’s ongoing political and humanitarian crisis, which has led millions to flee in search of safety and opportunity.
However, in January 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that TPS for Venezuelans would no longer be extended. The termination of this protection affects nearly 300,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S., many of whom are in Florida, which has the largest Venezuelan population in the country. As Venezuelans lose their work permits, many are facing a new set of challenges, including the threat of deportation.
This development is particularly concerning for the Haitian community in Orlando, which has long been one of the largest Haitian populations in the United States. While Haitians do not have the same protection under TPS as Venezuelans, they fear that the end of TPS for Venezuelans could set a precedent for the Haitian community, who may also face similar issues with their status in the country.
The Haitian Experience in Orlando
Orlando, home to many immigrant communities, has become a hub for Haitians seeking refuge and a better life in the U.S. After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, many Haitians came to Florida, fleeing poverty, political instability, and natural disasters. While many were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) initially, that status has become a point of contention in recent years. The program’s future has been in flux, with ongoing debates about whether or not TPS should be extended or renewed.
Despite these challenges, many Haitian families in Orlando have managed to build stable lives. They work in essential jobs, send their children to school, and contribute to the local economy. However, the fear of deportation continues to hang over their heads. The end of TPS for Venezuelans has only exacerbated these anxieties, particularly as Haitian immigrants see their community at risk of facing the same threats.
Haitian community leaders in Orlando have expressed concern that the government may soon seek to end TPS for Haitians as well, especially considering the political environment in Washington. The potential loss of work permits would lead to an increase in deportations, disrupting families and creating uncertainty for the many Haitian workers who are contributing to their communities.
Community Voices and Fears of Deportation
Haitian immigrants in Orlando have been vocal about their fears. Many feel that their livelihoods are at risk, and the possibility of being deported to Haiti—a country still recovering from years of political instability, poverty, and the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake—seems increasingly likely. Community members have shared their worries about what deportation could mean for their families, especially for children who were born in the U.S. and are American citizens. For many, the idea of separation from their children or being sent back to a country with limited resources and opportunities is a harrowing thought.
“I’ve been in this country for years,” said Jean Baptiste, a Haitian father of three living in Orlando. “I work hard every day to provide for my family. I’m scared I’ll be sent back to a place where I have nothing. My children, they were born here. They’re American citizens. It’s not fair that we could be torn apart.”
The loss of work permit protections for Venezuelans has reignited long-standing frustrations among the Haitian community in Florida, who feel that their own struggles are often overlooked. Haitian advocacy groups are calling for more comprehensive immigration reform to protect all immigrants, regardless of nationality. They are urging the U.S. government to extend TPS for Haitians, as the country still faces numerous challenges, including political instability and natural disasters.
The fear of deportation has not only affected Haitian adults but has also taken a toll on children in the community. Many young Haitian-Americans are caught in the middle, unsure of what their future holds. Some children who are American citizens may see their parents face deportation, leading to emotional distress and uncertainty about their own status.
The Role of Advocacy Groups
In response to the rising fears among Haitian immigrants, several advocacy organizations in Orlando have ramped up their efforts to provide support. These groups are working to raise awareness about the risks of deportation and the potential impact on Haitian families. They are also organizing legal clinics to assist Haitians in navigating the complex immigration system and helping them apply for TPS extensions or other forms of relief.
One such organization, the Haitian American Community Center (HACC), is at the forefront of efforts to support Haitian families. The HACC provides resources, including legal assistance and counseling, to those facing deportation risks. They also work to engage the community in advocacy efforts, encouraging Haitian-Americans to speak out about their experiences and demand better protections.
“The fear in our community is palpable,” said Marie Claire, a spokeswoman for the HACC. “We’re trying to empower Haitians to understand their rights and to advocate for the change we need. Our voices matter, and we need to make sure they’re heard by lawmakers.”
The Need for Immigration Reform
The Haitian community in Orlando, along with other immigrant groups, is calling for comprehensive immigration reform that offers a path to citizenship for undocumented individuals, including those who have lived in the U.S. for many years under TPS. Advocates argue that this would not only provide relief for families but would also benefit the U.S. economy by allowing immigrants to continue contributing to society without the constant fear of deportation.
Many also argue that TPS for Haitians should be extended, as the country still faces significant challenges. Haiti remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, and its political and economic instability continues to create conditions that make it unsafe for many of its citizens to return. For these reasons, Haitian advocates are urging the Biden administration to prioritize the protection of Haitian immigrants, ensuring they are not subject to deportation in a time of crisis.
“We’re not asking for handouts. We’re asking for a chance to continue our lives here and to be treated fairly,” said Jean Baptiste. “We want to work, we want to contribute, and we want to raise our families in a safe environment. We just need the government to recognize the challenges we face and to support us.”
Looking Ahead
As the situation continues to unfold, the Haitian community in Orlando remains on edge, grappling with the uncertainty of their future in the U.S. The loss of protections for Venezuelans has only highlighted the vulnerability of other immigrant groups, making it clear that immigration reform is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. For Haitian families, the fear of deportation is real, but so too is their determination to fight for their rights and for the future of their children. Only time will tell what changes will come, but for now, the community remains united, standing together in the face of uncertainty.