Dozens of Haitian immigrants, faith leaders and advocates gathered outside the Margaret Morton Government Center in Bridgeport on Thursday to press lawmakers to protect Temporary Protected Status and to urge Congress to act after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.
The court’s late-June ruling upheld President Donald Trump’s move to end TPS for about 1.3 million people from 17 countries, including Haiti. Organizers said the ruling threatens workers, families and small businesses across Bridgeport that rely on Haitian residents who live and work in the city.
What residents say is at stake
The rally, organized by Francise Jean-Louis of the Haitian American Collaborative, was part of a nationwide day of action urging Congress to pass legislation that would provide permanent protections for TPS holders.
Speakers described the issue as more than a policy debate. They said it is tied directly to lives and livelihoods in Bridgeport — especially in healthcare, small business and other services where Haitian immigrants are employed.
"When you come here, you work hard. I have a lot of friends that work in healthcare, and I know how hard Haitian people and other nations are working to make ends meet," said Isnada Unalus, a Haitian immigrant who has lived in Bridgeport for the past decade.
Attendees included immigrants who said they have established homes, families and businesses in the area and fear losing the ability to work legally if TPS protections end.
- Organizers: Haitian American Collaborative, led by Francise Jean-Louis.
- Main demand: Congressional legislation to protect TPS holders and offer permanent status.
- Local impact: Concerns about job loss, family separation and business instability in Bridgeport.
Numbers and legal context
Temporary Protected Status allows nationals of designated countries to live and work legally in the U.S. when their home countries face armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary conditions. Advocates say many TPS recipients have long ties to Connecticut communities.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| People affected nationwide | 1.3 million |
| Countries with TPS affected | 17 |
At the Bridgeport rally, Diana Malette-Révolus of Norwalk was photographed holding a Haitian flag. Organizers said the demonstration was intended to put pressure on Connecticut’s congressional delegation to back bills that would protect TPS holders and keep families intact.
Advocates emphasized the local consequences: workers in hospitals, clinics and small businesses who could lose employment authorizations, and families who could face deportation to countries they left because returning would be unsafe or destabilizing.
Bridgeport residents and organizations now await responses from federal lawmakers. Rally organizers said they will continue outreach and advocacy until Congress passes legislation that secures protections for TPS holders.
