Governor Healey Demands Secretary Noem Extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

 Governor Healey Demands Secretary Noem Extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey demanded that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals currently living and working in the United States. In a letter to Secretary Noem, Governor Healey emphasized that Haitian TPS holders play an essential role in the Massachusetts and U.S. economy, especially in the health care sector. 

“Massachusetts is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the nation, including more than 45,000 Haitian TPS holders. Many have lived and worked in Massachusetts for well over a decade since before DHS first designated Haiti for TPS protection in 2010,” wrote Governor Healey. “Haitian TPS holders are essential contributors to our state’s workforce, filling roles that are vital to our economic stability and growth. Across industries—from healthcare and long-term care to transportation, hospitality, and construction—these workers help keep our economy running. The sudden loss of their legal status and work authorization would be devastating for our state.” 

In health care, Haitian TPS holders serve as nurses, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, technicians, and support staff in hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes and home-based care settings. Massachusetts and much of the nation are already facing workforce shortages in this sector, and if these workers suddenly lose their legal status and work authorization, the result will be more severe staffing shortages, increased health care costs, reduced access to care, and additional strain placed on an already stressed health care system. 

Nationwide, TPS-eligible Haitians contribute $4.4 billion annually to the U.S. economy. They pay taxes, contribute to Social Security and Medicare, and spend their earnings in local businesses. Many are homeowners and parents of U.S.-citizen children. 

Governor Healey also noted that the dangerous conditions in Haiti that resulted in the original TPS designation 16 years ago – political instability, widespread violence, humanitarian crises, and limited access to basic services – remain severe, underscoring the importance of extending these protections. 

Governor Healey’s full letter is available here.