PUBLIC REPORT ON MY PARTICIPATION IN THE BOSTON TPS HEARING

PUBLIC REPORT ON MY PARTICIPATION IN THE BOSTON TPS HEARING

PUBLIC REPORT ON MY PARTICIPATION IN THE BOSTON TPS HEARING

Boston, September 25, 2026 — Docket #0299

Wilsonn Telimo Lwi

I participated in the Boston City Council hearing on the consequences of ending federal protections for Haitians with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and on how the City can respond to affected families. My speaking time was limited, but I made my voice heard, raised several concerns, and submitted documents in support of my remarks.

I am an American citizen with a deep connection to Haiti. I asked the Council to look beyond a person’s immigration status: Do we truly practice equality among people and nations? Will we continue to treat some countries as small and some citizens as though their lives matter less?

TPS affects more than its beneficiaries

I explained that uncertainty about TPS does not affect one person alone. It reaches children, spouses, relatives, friends, employers, coworkers, and entire communities. It can bring fear of losing a job, a home, healthcare, or family stability. American citizens whose lives are closely connected to Haitian families are affected too.

I asked the Council to consider the emotional toll of this pressure. When people must spend every day figuring out how to survive tomorrow, it becomes harder to study, prepare for a career, take part in community life, and use their abilities for the common good.

Risks of exploitation and abuse

I raised concerns that financial insecurity and fear about immigration status can make young women and men more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, unfair pay, unsafe working conditions, and other abuse. I spoke about young people who may accept almost any job to survive or send money to relatives in Haiti, even when the wages are unjust.

My request was for officials to prevent exploitation, protect people experiencing abuse, and make information about workplace rights accessible. No one should feel forced to sacrifice their dignity to obtain food or pay rent.

Assistance that helps people build a future

I called for a philanthropic approach that goes beyond distributing food and paying rent. Emergency aid is necessary, but it is not enough for someone trying to regain direction in life. I proposed vocational training, English classes, digital literacy, and other programs that prepare people for the workforce.

I also asked program leaders to do more than make services available on paper. They should reach out to residents, explain opportunities in the languages people understand, and make them feel that they belong. That is how we can strengthen inclusion and social cohesion.

Human rights, Haitian Creole, and legal assistance

I reminded the Council of the principles of dignity and equality in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I asked: Do Haitians not deserve the same respect and protection from abuse as everyone else?

I called for affected families to receive clear information in Haitian Creole and access to qualified immigration lawyers. People who fear for their future can be vulnerable to false promises or to someone taking their money without providing competent help. Reliable information and credible legal assistance can help families make decisions about their individual situations.

International responsibility and Haiti’s future

I asked American leaders to examine the influence of the United States and other international actors on political decisions in Haiti, as well as the insecurity and lack of reliable access to food that make many people afraid to return. I posed a political question that matters deeply to me: Does the way powerful countries treat Haiti respect the sovereignty of the world’s first independent Black republic?

I gave the example of an older person who fears returning to Haiti because they are unsure whether they could obtain food or hospital care if they became ill. That example shows why any discussion of return must take actual living conditions seriously.

Finally, I proposed that Massachusetts explore a partnership with Haitian authorities to strengthen educational materials and instruction in Haitian Creole in Haiti. I believe such a partnership could offer communities more than material aid: it could support knowledge, opportunity, and independence over the long term.

I had two minutes to testify, so I could not develop every subject as fully as I wanted. My message remains clear: protect families from abuse, give them information they can understand, open paths to education and work, and treat Haiti and Haitians with dignity.

Wilsonn Telimo Lwi

BMPTF Member, and ITIYAyiti President,

Participant in the Boston TPS hearing