FANM Celebrates Lawsuit Victory

By Rhenie Dalger

      MIAMI, FL — Faith, community leaders, and TPS recipients applauded the judge’s decision to block the Trump administration’s unlawful decision to terminate TPS for Haitians at a press conference.

Marleine Bastien, Executive Director of Family Action Network Movement (FANM) said, “Today’s victory shows that the Trump Administration has to follow the law. Democracy wins. TPS for the Haitians was terminated due to racism. While we are celebrating this victory, we urge Congress to act now! The Dream and Promise Act will give TPS and DACA recipients a safe haven in the U.S. where they have established their lives by contributing to our economy and our communities. This bill is a great step toward permanent residency for thousands of TPS and DACA recipients. FANM is committed to the passage of this bill into law.”

In a 145-page federal ruling, U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz of the Eastern District of New York issued a nationwide temporary injunction preventing DHS from terminating Temporary Protected Status, TPS, for Haitians. Kuntz said 50,000 to 60,000 Haitians and their U.S.-born children would suffer “irreparable harm” if the legal protection ended and they were forced to return to a country that is not safe.

Kevin A. Gregg, a lawyer from Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt P.A., said “Judge Kuntz’s Decision issuing a preliminary injunction against the DHS in the Saget case is a sweeping indictment of the Trump Administration’s attempt to terminate TPS for Haiti. In Judge Kuntz’s own words, DHS ‘manipulated the facts’ in order ‘to achieve a desired political outcome.’ While the case is far from over, Thursday’s Decision is a monumental and very encouraging step.”

The following is a statement from Leoma Pierre, TPS Recipient, Lawsuit plaintiff and FANM member:

“I’m happy that Judge Kent took that decision that will allow us to stay. I will also thank the Family Action Network Movement for its efforts to push the fight not only for Haitians with TPS but all TPS recipients. Now, we only hope that the organization continues its fight for permanency for all TPS Recipients.”

FANM’s mission is to empower low to moderate income families socially, financially, and politically and to give them the tools to transform their communities.