By Marie St. Fleur
Special to the Reporter
History reminds us that progress is never guaranteed. Every generation is called upon to defend it.
Last week’s Supreme Court decision regarding Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is heartbreaking, but, unfortunately, not surprising.
After Reconstruction post-Civil War, the High Court issued decisions that weakened the constitutional rights of Black Americans, culminating in Plessy v. Ferguson’s “separate but equal” ruling in 1896. During that same period, the Court upheld laws that excluded Chinese immigrants, expanded the federal government’s deportation powers, and denied citizenship to Japanese immigrants.
These decisions became part of a broader effort to limit opportunity and belonging for entire communities.
We have seen moments like this before. We have also seen what determined people can accomplish when they organize.
To everyone who has spent years supporting Haitian children, families, and individuals, through legal aid, healthcare, education, housing, food assistance, faith communities, advocacy, and simple acts of compassion: Thank you. Your work has held together a safety net that thousands of families rely on every day.
Now is not the time to retreat. It is time to strengthen what we have already built.
We need a coordinated response on two fronts:
•Nationally, we must strengthen the coalitions that already exist, bringing together employers, healthcare providers, labor, faith leaders, business organizations, and elected officials to press Congress for a permanent legislative solution.
•Locally, we must reinforce the neighborhood networks that provide legal services, food, housing, healthcare, mental health support, educational assistance, and emergency resources so that no family faces this uncertainty alone.
This is not only an immigration issue. It is also an issue of workforce stability, economic security, family unity, and human dignity.
The courts have spoken. Now Congress must act. And while we continue that fight, our communities must continue doing what they have always done: Show up for one another.
Let’s organize. Let’s strengthen our coalitions. Let’s protect our families.
Marie St. Fleur is a lawyer who represented the Fifth Suffolk District in the Legislature from 1999 to 2011.
