What we’re paying attention to in 2026: NYC’s Haitian politicos, deportations, Haiti’s elections and more
From power dynamics in New York to expiring immigration protections and digital disruptions, here’s what’s on The Haitian Times’ radar this year
by Vania André, Simon Feisthauer Fournet, Macollvie J. Neel and Fritznel D. Octave Jan.
THE HAITIAN TIMES 05, 2026
As the new year begins, The Haitian Times shares what’s top of mind in 2026 — across the U.S., Haiti and the diaspora.
A new year always brings a mix of urgency and reflection— and 2026 is no exception. At The Haitian Times, we’ve taken stock of what feels most pressing across our communities, from local politics in New York to political upheaval in Haiti and the global shifts in between.
Here’s what’s top of mind for us this year.
The fate of TPS and what happens after Feb. 3
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is currently set to expire on Feb. 3. The looming deadline has created uncertainty for thousands who have lived, worked and raised families in the U.S. for decades. Whether the administration enforces deportations or offers an extension could set the tone for immigration policy during this election year — and shape the lives of countless Haitian households.
Springfield, Ohio — what one community’s response might signal
In Springfield, the city thrust into the national spotlight over false claims about its Haitian population, the end of TPS may have immediate consequences. How employers, churches and Haitian community leaders there respond may provide an early glimpse of how other towns across the country navigate life after legal protections are shut down.
In New York, a new mayor — and familiar questions
With Zohran Mamdani now mayor of New York City, the local political landscape has shifted toward more progressivism under the Democratic Socialist. Six known Haitian Americans were named to his transition team — a level of representation rarely seen, at least publicly. Whether that visibility turns into real influence remains to be determined, particularly on issues like affordable housing, small business support, nonprofit sustainability and immigration protections that directly impact Haitian New Yorkers.
At the same time, political power structures within enclaves like Brooklyn, Queens — and Long Island, albeit outside the city’s borders — continue to evolve. Longtime civic leaders, church networks and neighborhood organizers who are traditional Democrats still play central roles. How these grassroots institutions engage with — or push against — City Hall’s progressive will be worth watching.
Trump’s Corollary
Donald Trump’s presidency carries broad implications for the Western Hemisphere as he moves to “reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence” in the region. Such an aggressive posture toward Latin America and the Caribbean, under the banner of “commercial diplomacy” and allegedly halting drug trafficking, could bring new tariffs, migration quotas and military pressure across the region.
“This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live — and we’re not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, competitors, and rivals of the United States,” Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, said after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Already in the new year, Trump removed Maduro in an overnight raid of Caracas and announced that oil companies will run the country, triggering calls of condemnation from other countries and world bodies. Such actions could further destabilize Haiti if long-present income inequality tensions and gang violence were to escalate, particularly among economic elites who may seek deals to protect their interests.
Security and elections in Haiti?
Talk of elections continues, with the first round scheduled for Aug. 30, but deep skepticism remains. Conditions on the ground, the role or fate of the transitional council—whose mandate is set to expire on Feb. 7— the deployment of international security forces and the availability of funding will determine whether any vote is feasible or legitimate. For now, the Haitian public appears cautious, waiting for signs that this time will be different.
Rising health care costs for working families
Federal policy changes are driving up the cost of health care for many. The rollback of premium subsidies has hit families relying on ACA and Medicare Advantage plans especially hard, including many in the Haitian American community. Between housing costs and inflation, this added financial strain is already being felt.
Climate vulnerability — and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Climate change remains a constant undercurrent, particularly for Haitians in areas vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes and extreme heat. Last year’s Hurricane Melissa showed again how quickly disaster can strike and how unprepared much of the region remains. Climate will continue to impact infrastructure, agriculture, migration and public health.
Digital opportunity — and digital exploitation
The digital economy is transforming Haitian life in real time. Content creation, AI tools and remote work platforms are creating new income streams for some. But they’re also enabling the spread of misinformation, exploitation of cultural identity and widening inequalities.
Haitian American political identity heading into midterms
With midterm elections later this year, Haitian American voters are reassessing their political identities. Long loyal to the Democratic Party, many began expressing frustration during the 2024 elections at the lack of tangible gains and loss of immigration protections. Now, many also question whether Haitian American elected officials can wield real influence, particularly with scandals associated with the most high-profile among them erupting.
In states like New York and Florida, where Haitian communities have built deep electoral power, these questions feel especially urgent. The role of church-based organizing, local advocacy, and shifting generational priorities may reshape how Haitian voters engage in 2026, and with whom.
High-profile criminal, civil and immigration cases
Several high-profile criminal, civil and immigration cases involving Haitians are also shaping public attention this year. In Florida, media personality Carel Pedrewas placed in ICE custody after a misdemeanor domestic violence arrest, triggering a #FreeCarel campaign as details of his immigration case remain undisclosed.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick, the first Haitian American woman elected to Congress, faces federal charges alleging fraud, money laundering and campaign finance violations tied to pandemic relief funds — allegations she denies.
In Colorado, more than 1,000 Haitian workers have filed a class action lawsuitagainst meatpacking giant JBS, alleging deceptive recruitment via TikTok, discriminatory treatment, unsafe working conditions and exploitative housing at the company’s Greeley plant — with TPS expiration threatening to derail their claims.
Legal scrutiny has also reached the cultural sphere and oligarchy. Haitian music veteran Fabrice Rouzier has sued Joé Dwèt Filé and collaborators over copyright claims tied to the global hit 4 Kampé, while business figures Reginald Boulos and Dimitri Vorbe were detained in the U.S. amid immigration fraud allegations and accusations of backing armed groups in Haiti.
Together, these cases reflect heightened legal exposure across Haitian public life.
The World Cup
And finally, but not least, a global celebration. With the 2026 FIFA World Cuphosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Haitians in the diaspora are already preparing to gather, cheer and celebrate Les Grenadiers against Scotland, Brazil and Morocco this summer. Whether at watch parties, the stadium stands or their living rooms, the matches are a welcome moment of joy and connection in a heavy year—regardless of sporting results in the end.
US will not process visas from 75 countries including Caribbean region
Take note that the United States has just announced it will halt processing of all immigrant visas from 75 countries until such time as “The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” the statement continued. “We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
This new measure comes after the complete or partial ban on visas for tourism, business, etc to nationals of 39 countries, most of which find themselves on the new list.
Among the countries from which immigrants will be barred are the following from the Caribbean region:
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Cuba
Dominica
Grenada
Haiti
Jamaica
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Caribbean countries that have not been barred:
Dominican Republic
Guyana
Trinidad and Tobago.
The Forgotten Occupation’ opens in Los Angeles, explores Haiti’s US occupation
Documentary by Haitian filmmaker Alain Martin and executive producer Roxane Gay explores legacy of U.S. occupation in Haiti
by The Haitian Times Jan. 14, 2026
Overview:
The Forgotten Occupation, a documentary on the U.S. occupation of Haiti, will make its Los Angeles premiere with a special one-week run in Beverly Hills. The film, by Alain Martin and Roxane Gay, blends personal narrative with political history to examine a formative and often overlooked chapter in Haiti–U.S. relations.
The acclaimed documentary “The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti” made its Los Angeles theatrical debut on Jan. 10 at Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills, kicking off a one-week engagement through Jan. 16.
Directed by Haitian filmmaker Alain Martin and executive produced by bestselling author Roxane Gay, the feature documentary revisits the 1915–1934 U.S. military occupation of Haiti through a deeply personal lens. The film premiered last year and will now be introduced to West Coast audiences with a special red-carpet screening, followed by a Q&A, in partnership with Haitian Spotlight LA.
Blending intimate family memories with broader historical context, “The Forgotten Occupation” is framed as a letter from Martin to his grandfather. The narrative unravels a paradoxical legacy of a man who once welcomed American rule in a country still bearing the scars of that intervention.
“By tracing the roots of that power through an intimate family story, ‘The Forgotten Occupation’ reclaims the narrative of Haitian memory, love, and resilience, inviting Los Angeles audiences to see today’s immigration flashpoints not as abstractions, but as part of a long history of occupation, anti-Blackness, and extraordinary Haitian resilience,” Martin said in a statement.
The film’s West Coast premiere comes amid renewed national debate around immigration, as Haitian migrants and asylum seekers face increasing scrutiny in political discourse and border policy. In this context, the documentary provides a timely reflection on U.S.–Haiti relations, raising urgent questions about empire, displacement and democracy.
“Our cultural memory is, all too often, terribly short,” said Gay. “Alain Martin’s The Forgotten Occupation is a timely, necessary reminder of the brutal American occupation of Haiti that lasted nearly twenty years and sought but failed to bring a proud, independent nation to heel.
“But this movie is so much more,” she continued, “because it is also a gorgeous and moving love letter to a family, a people, a country.”
Tickets are available via lumiereticketsa.com/theforgottenoccupation. Daily showtimes will run Jan. 10–16 at Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd.