On June 25^th, Congresswoman Pressley denounced the lawless, cruel, and devastating ruling by Trump’s justices on the Supreme Court, which gave the Trump Administration permission to terminate the Temporary Protected Status of Haitians and Syrians, stripping their ability to live and work legally, and putting them at risk of deportation. A federal judge affirmed that decision on August 5, 2026.

This impacts the 45,000 TPS holders currently living in Massachusetts and endangers the lives and livelihoods of 1.3 million people from 17 countries currently protected by TPS across the United States.

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Pressley led the successful effort to pass H.R. 1689 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would designate TPS for Haiti. Currently, the companion bill is in the Senate (S.4814, introduced by MA Senator Ed Markey).

If you are currently a TPS holder from Haiti or Syria, consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Local Haitian-serving community organizations offer free educational sessions and legal consultations, which are particularly helpful for individuals with pathways to permanent residency:

Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI-USA)
Address: 1626 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126
Open Monday to Friday 9AM – 5PM and Saturdays 10AM – 5PM
Phone: (617) 322-1348
Email: info@ifsi-usa.org

Everett Haitian Community Center
Address: 427A Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Open most weekdays 10 AM – 4PM
Phone: (857) 399-5375
Email: info@theehcc.org

LEGAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS:

• The Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI) provides comprehensive pro bono legal representation for individuals at risk of detention or currently detained by ICE. For more, visit: https://miracoalition.org/massachusetts-massachusetts-access-to-counsel-initiative-maci/ or call (508) 505-4588.
• The Legal Representation Fund provides pro bono legal representation to request bond in immigration court. For more information, call (617) 396-7143 or ask your loved one in detention to call the detention hotline (617) 637-8195.
  • If you need assistance paying for bond, call Beyond Bond Legal Defense Fund (BIJAN) at (617) 396-7143.
• The Habeas Project is a Massachusetts-based program connecting individuals in detention to attorneys willing to submit emergency habeas corpus petitions pro bono, ensuring due process for individuals when they are put in deportation proceedings. Individuals must already have immigration counsel to be eligible for the program. For more, please email: immigrationhabeasproject@gmail.com.
• The American Immigrant Lawyer Association of the United States maintains an updated list of AILA-certified attorneys available at: https://ailalawyer.com/. Please keep in mind that some attorneys may offer consultations, but you will have to pay to retain their services.
• The BIJAN Accompaniment network can provide volunteers to accompany you and your loved ones at immigration check-ins and proceedings. For more, call BIJAN at (617) 396-7143 or email bijan.accompaniment@gmail.com.

If you choose to acquire legal support outside of these organizations, please be aware of the increase in scams targeting those seeking immigration support. For more information about protecting against fraud, visit: https://www.mass.gov/guides/avoiding-immigration-scams-and-finding-legal-help.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Detention can be a traumatic experience for everyone impacted. The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline offers free mental health support. For more, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health or call/text 833-773-2445.

FAMILY EMERGENCY

If you are part of a mixed-status family, consider planning for a Family Emergency in the event of detention. For more, visit: https://www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/know-your-rights/planning-family-emergency.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & BUSINESS SUPPORT

If you were legally authorized to work under TPS, you are entitled to employment rights under Massachusetts law. For more, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/information-for-immigrant-workers-about-their-rights.

If you are a business owner and currently or recently employed Haitian or Syrian TPS workers, visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-for-employers-regarding-immigration-and-work-authorization/download or email info@myimmigrantpathway.org for assistance navigating legal employee management.

CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE SUPPORT

If you, or a family member, are detained, Congresswoman Pressley’s Congressional Office can advocate on your behalf through a federal casework request. Please call our district office at (617) 850-0040 or submit an online casework request at https://pressley.house.gov/help-federal-agency/.