We want to make sure our members have clear, accurate information about a fast-moving legal situation that may affect people in our union family.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing the federal government to end Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, a lower court has now lifted the legal block that had been keeping TPS protections in place for Haitian nationals. That means TPS and related work authorization for Haitian TPS holders has officially ended.
We know this is frightening news. If you or a loved one is impacted, we want you to know: we are with you.
If you or a coworker holds TPS from Haiti, work authorization connected to that status has now ended unless there is other immigration relief in place, such as a pending asylum application. TPS holders are also now at greater risk of enforcement action, including ICE check-in appointments or arrest.
The most important thing anyone with TPS can do right now is consult with a trusted immigration attorney as soon as possible.
As a union, we are reaching out directly to employers to advocate for members who may be impacted, including pushing for unpaid leaves of absence, severance pay, and other separation benefits where we can. Your contract may also include additional protections. Contact the union at 800-422-8934 or reach out to your organizer right away if you are affected so we can help you understand your rights at the workplace.
With our international union, SEIU, we are also continuing to fight for a more just, humane, and orderly immigration system, one that creates real legal pathways for immigrants to remain in the United States with a pathway to citizenship. Join us: text FAMILY to 802-495.
A detailed fact sheet with more information and resources is linked below. Please share it with coworkers who may need it.
Fact sheet: https://1199nw.org/4wQJvK4
Additional immigration resources: https://1199nw.org/immigration