New York City Councillor Rita Joseph
New York, June 30, 2026.- In response to the announced end of the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Haitians in the United States, New York City Councillor Rita Joseph called for mobilization. Guest of the Magik panel on Magik 9 on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, she detailed the actions undertaken with elected officials, trade unions and community organisations in order to obtain a lasting solution for the beneficiaries of the GST and to guarantee legal support to the persons concerned.
New York City Councillor Rita Joseph states that the Haitian community will not remain passive in the face of the decision to end the GST granted to Haitian nationals. According to her, several mobilizations have already been organized to pressure the federal authorities and defend the thousands of families concerned.
She said that a first gathering was held immediately after the decision, bringing together municipal and state elected officials, trade union representatives, prosecutors and several community organizations. A second mobilization took place in front of Senator Chuck Schummer's offices in order to demand a response from the Congress, the only body she felt could bring about a lasting legislative solution.
For Rita Joseph, the end of the GST represents a threat far beyond the beneficiaries alone. She recalls that approximately 40,000 Haitians work in New York City, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools and many sectors facing labour shortages. In her view, their departure would have a direct impact on the local economy and essential services.
The municipal councillor also believes that the debate should no longer be limited to the periodic renewal of the GST. Rather, she advocates permanent residence for people who have been living in the United States for several years, working, paying taxes, raising their children and contributing to American society.
When asked about the hostile remarks against Haitians, especially those attributed to journalist Megyn Kelly, Rita Joseph described them as racist and contrary to reality. According to her, Haitians are primarily workers who seek to support themselves and not to depend on public aid. It submits that their presence has contributed to the economic recovery of several U.S. communities, including the City of Springfield, Ohio.
In the face of the growing concern of the community, he invited GST recipients to consult quickly with specialized lawyers to explore all possible immigration options. It also warns against fraudsters who take advantage of the situation to scam migrants.
Rita Joseph finally recalled that her office offers free immigration consultations with lawyers twice a week, in addition to services funded by the city of New York to assist people in their administrative work. Despite the uncertainty, she assures that the mobilization will continue alongside politicians and community organizations to defend the rights of Haitians.
W.A.
