SALISBURY, Md. (AP) — The Word of Life Center in Salisbury is experiencing significant declines in attendance following the recent termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many Haitians. The church has long been a vibrant center for the Haitian community on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, but the congregation’s Sunday service saw attendance drop to less than half of its usual number, which typically exceeds 500. Senior pastor Roosevelt Toussaint noted the community’s reluctance to attend due to fears of arrest and deportation after the Trump administration ended TPS for approximately 350,000 Haitians living legally in the United States.
Community Impact and Fear
In Salisbury, around 10% of the 33,000 residents are of Haitian descent, many employed in essential roles as farmworkers, caregivers, and workers in poultry plants that are vital to the local economy. The expiration of TPS has left these individuals with difficult choices: remain in the U.S. and risk arrest or return to a home fraught with gang violence and poverty.
Toussaint addressed the congregation during his sermon, titled “What to do in a time of crisis,” emphasizing the need for perseverance. “God has come to tell you: Do not be afraid,” he preached in Haitian Creole. Some attendees, including U.S. citizens, expressed their solidarity with those affected, voicing their concerns over the administration’s actions regarding immigration.
Marie D. Fouché, who leads Safe Harbor Circles, a support organization for immigrant communities, reported that several arrests of immigrants, including those with TPS, have recently occurred, often during routine errands like grocery shopping. Advocates believe that instead of roundups, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is utilizing indirect tactics to summon individuals for monitoring or potential detention.
Confusion surrounding TPS has been exacerbated by court rulings; a U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 25 permitted the termination of TPS, leading to widespread uncertainty in enforcement timelines. The Churchill of Delmarva’s Samson Orneus described the situation as “like a hurricane at Category 5,” indicating a profound sense of crisis within the community.
The TPS program was originally established in 2010 following a devastating earthquake in Haiti and has undergone various extensions over the years. Advocates argue the conditions in Haiti remain dire, with increased displacement due to ongoing violence.
As the local community continues to grapple with these developments, many fear for their futures amid anxiety-driven living conditions. Affected individuals share their worries, with some locking themselves away to avoid potential deportation. The situation remains critical as families navigate the implications of policy changes.
Why It Matters: The impact of TPS termination on the Haitian community in Salisbury highlights broader issues of immigration policy, community safety, and the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. As local advocates work to support those affected, the ongoing situation underscores the importance of discussions surrounding humanitarian protections in the face of legal and social challenges.