HANYC Calls for Immediate Reversal of TPS Revocation for Haitians, Pledges Support for Affected Workers

NEW YORK, NY (08/13/2026) (readMedia)-- In response to the federal government's devastating decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, the Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) is calling for an immediate reversal of the revocations, which are putting tens of thousands of Haitian New Yorkers at risk and creating further uncertainty for immigrant communities and New York's economy.

With immigrants comprising approximately 85% of the hotel workforce, HANYC knows firsthand how essential immigrants are to a thriving city and economy. That is why hotels provide immigrant workers with some of the best wages and benefits in the country, offering upward economic mobility for them and their families. This includes the estimated 1,200 Haitian New Yorkers working in the hotel industry who are now directly or indirectly impacted by the termination of TPS. The revocation of TPS for Haitian New Yorkers threatens not only their livelihoods and ability to support their families, but the businesses and communities that depend on them.

HANYC is extending its support to Haitian TPS holders by connecting them to resources, pledging foundation support, and helping navigate work eligibility and access to benefits.

"As an immigrant myself, I do not take for granted the opportunities that this city and the hotel industry can offer immigrants-but only if they are allowed to live and work here without fear. Haitian New Yorkers are a vital part of our hotel and hospitality workforce, and their contributions strengthen our businesses and our city every day," said Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of HANYC. "HANYC will continue to stand with Haitian hotel workers and the communities they call home, and we urge the federal government to reverse the termination of TPS. Protecting our immigrant workforce is essential to protecting New York City's economy and ensuring that our city remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to build stable lives and contribute to our shared future."

HANYC joins Haitian community leaders and advocates, including the Haitian Chamber of Commerce, as well as Council Members Farah Louis and Rita Joseph, Assemblyman Vanel, and elected officials at the city and state levels-Mayor Mamdani, Attorney General James, the Brooklyn Borough President, and the Public Advocate-in calling on the federal government to reinstate TPS for Haitians.

Vijay Dandapani recently spoke at The Haitian Times' "Leading Labor in a Changing Immigration Landscape" breakfast at Brooklyn College, sponsored by HANYC, about how shifting federal immigration policies are affecting New York's hospitality sector and Haitian and other immigrant workers.

"As a Haitian-American elected official, I have a responsibility to stand up for New York and the members of our community who contribute so much to our state. The termination of TPS threatens the economic stability of our state and the livelihoods of hardworking Haitian New Yorkers. I urge the federal government to reverse this decision and restore TPS so these workers can continue generating millions of dollars in tax revenue for New York, supporting their families, and strengthening the communities they call home," said Assemblyman Clyde Vanel.

"The potential loss of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is not simply an immigration issue; it is an economic and community stability issue for New York City. Haitian New Yorkers have spent decades helping to build and sustain this city-as workers, business owners, homeowners, parents, and civic leaders. In the hospitality industry in particular, Haitian workers are part of the infrastructure that keeps New York functioning. Forcing these families into uncertainty would have consequences that extend far beyond the individuals who hold TPS. We welcome the Hotel Association of New York City's willingness to stand with its Haitian employees and to recognize that protecting immigrant workers also means protecting the economic and social fabric of New York," said Marie Lily Cerat, Ph.D. Director, CUNY Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College; Africana Studies Department, Brooklyn College.

"The termination of TPS for Haitians would reverberate far beyond the individuals and families who directly depend on the program. Haitian immigrants are workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and taxpayers who contribute every day to New York's economy and to communities across the country. Our chambers see firsthand the businesses that rely on Haitian workers and the Haitian-owned businesses that, in turn, create jobs and economic opportunity for others. Removing thousands of people from the workforce would destabilize families, disrupt businesses, and weaken local economies. We commend the Hotel Association of New York City for recognizing what employers across industries already know: Haitian immigrants are an integral part of our economic infrastructure. The business community has a stake in ensuring that they can continue to live, work, and contribute with stability and dignity," said Ron Cetoute, President of the Federation of Haitian Chambers of Commerce.

"I have spent years building and operating restaurants in this region, and I have seen firsthand that Haitian workers are an essential part of the workforce that keeps our restaurants and communities thriving. They are cooks, servers, managers, professionals, neighbors, and parents who have worked hard, raised families, contributed to their communities, and invested years of their lives in this country. Ending Temporary Protected Status would upend the lives of hardworking people while also removing experienced, valued employees from businesses that have long depended on their contributions. I commend the Hotel Association of New York City for standing with Haitian workers and calling for this decision to be reversed. The hospitality industry depends heavily on immigrant workers, but this is about more than labor. It is about people who have helped build our businesses, strengthen our communities, and become part of the fabric of this country. Our industry should stand with them and advocate for their ability to continue building their lives here," said Fred Raphael, owner of First Republic Lounge & Restaurant in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Rebèl Restaurant & Bar on the Lower East Side.