Pennsylvania advocates urge senators to support protections for Haitians facing deportation

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thousands of Haitian immigrants in Philadelphia could face deportation following a Trump administration order ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, prompting advocates and community members to rally and call for congressional action.

Immigrant rights advocates gathered outside the offices of U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R- PA) and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D - PA) in Philadelphia, urging Pennsylvania's two senators to support legislation that would protect Haitian immigrants from deportation by extending Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS.

The immigration policy provides people fleeing dangerous countries with a legal way to remain in the United States.

"These are people who have come through a government-approved program. They've purchased homes, they pay taxes," said Rev. Jennifer Joseph of Zion Community Church.

After the rally at McCormick's office, demonstrators marched nearly two miles to the Philadelphia office of Fetterman to continue their appeal.

"We're all part of the human race," said Carole Metellus, a Haitian American, as she marched alongside fellow demonstrators.

Advocates are urging both senators to support Senate Bill 4814, which would extend TPS for Haitian immigrants for an additional three years.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration removed Haiti and several other countries from TPS. A court order had temporarily blocked the action, but a federal judge on Wednesday lifted that stay, ending TPS protections for Haitian immigrants.

Protesters said the decision could affect as many as 13,000 Haitians in Philadelphia, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.

"For more than 200 years, Haiti and America have been great allies. Just before the United States became independent, they needed us; now we need them," said Kenel Stevenson of Poyser Way Church.

As the demonstration concluded, organizers encouraged supporters to contact McCormick and Fetterman and advocate for an extension of TPS protections for Haitian immigrants.

Action News requested comment from the offices of McCormick and Fetterman, but neither responded.