Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City (JVS) is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians living and working legally in the United States.
The ruling affects 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians across the country and hundreds of families served by JVS.
TPS was created by Congress as a humanitarian safeguard for individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries because of armed conflict, environmental disasters or other extraordinary conditions. The program is not a pathway to permanent immigration status. It reflects a recognition that, at certain moments, conditions in a person’s country make return unsafe or impossible and would place families in harm’s way.
The decision raises serious concerns for Haitians and Syrians whose countries continue to face significant instability, violence and humanitarian challenges. Removing protections without safety and stability in their home country leaves families, including parents of U.S. citizens, facing tremendous uncertainty. The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for both Haiti and Syria.
“Every day, we meet people whose lives have been shaped by conflict, disaster and displacement. We know that decisions made in courtrooms and government offices have real consequences for real people,” said Hilary Cohen Singer, executive director of JVS. “The impact of this decision will be felt around kitchen tables, in workplaces and across the Kansas City community. Families will be forced to grapple with impossible questions about safety, separation and an uncertain future.”
JVS remains committed to supporting immigrants, refugees and newcomers in our community and to advocating for policies that reflect both humanitarian principles and a careful evaluation of conditions in countries affected by conflict, disaster and instability.