Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson Statement on Supreme Court TPS Decision Affecting Haiti and Syria

“On Thursday, June 25, the Supreme Court cleared the way for the federal government to end Temporary Protected Status for people from Haiti and Syria — adding them to an already long list of countries whose residents have seen TPS protections revoked or put at risk.

“These are people who fled unsafe conditions, came here lawfully, and built lives here under lawful protection. As I’ve read the news, I keep thinking of Warsan Shire’s poem ‘Home,’ and the line: ‘No one would leave home unless home chased you to the shore.’

“That line captures something we should never forget: migration is not a casual choice. People leave because staying has become impossible. They come here at enormous cost, with courage and hope, because they believe in the promise at the heart of this country.

“It is especially cruel to end protections for people from countries our own government says are too dangerous for U.S. citizens to visit. But the cruelty is the point.

“Ending that protection means families face the loss of lawful status, work authorization, and the ability to remain safely together. Here in Somerville, we know this will be felt deeply through our families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

“Somerville stands with TPS holders and with our immigrant communities. We’ll do everything we can to help make sure everyone who wants to call Somerville home can continue to do just that.

“If you or your loved ones need support navigating this decision, please contact Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs by calling 311.”

View Mayor Wilson’s statement in Kreyòl and Arabic translations on @mayorjakewilson. 

(Viewing note: translations begin after English statement)