Haitian migrants Martino Augustil and Dieuvert Novembre relocated to Spokane, approved for Temporary Protected Status amid uncertain futures due to a potential Trump administration. Advocates like Katia Jasmin assist them in finding employment at Peirone Produce, where union protections are provided. The community faces fears of deportation and the revocation of TPS raises concerns, despite strong commitments from employers and advocates to support these individuals.
Martino Augustil and Dieuvert Novembre are Haitian migrants who relocated to Spokane after enduring long waits in Mexico for U.S. admission in early 2023. They secured approval for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program intended for migrants from nations facing severe challenges, such as Haiti. With families still in Haiti, both are striving to establish lives in the U.S.; however, uncertainty looms regarding their future due to political changes under a potential second Trump administration.
Haiti has endured decades of turmoil, with the most recent governmental collapse prompting a significant exodus of its citizens. The U.S. has historically welcomed Haitians through the TPS program initiated in 2010 following a cataclysmic earthquake that devastated the region. Recent developments saw President Trump revoke TPS for Haitians, which complicates the status of Augustil and Novembre, who were recently hired by Peirone Produce under an advocacy initiative supported by local organizations.
Katia Jasmin, the founder of Creole Resources, expressed concern over the TPS revocation for Haitian migrants. She has been actively assisting Augustil and Novembre in their job placements and renewal of their status. They are employed with Peirone Produce, where they benefit from union protections, which offer them better workplace conditions compared to other available jobs. Their work involves collating orders using headsets that provide instructions in Haitian Creole.
Currently, many Haitians in the Spokane area fear returning to their homeland, due to violence. Augustil and Novembre maintain a hopeful outlook about their situation. They come from a relatively safer region in Haiti and express a willingness to return if necessary but prefer to leave on their own terms with adequate preparation.
Wayne Boggs, Peirone’s Director of Operations, highlighted the company’s commitment to its diverse workforce and supportive work environment, emphasizing the contributions of Haitian migrants. Both Boggs and Larry Kroetch from Teamsters Local 690 are dedicated to protecting the rights of Augustil and Novembre amid federal uncertainties surrounding immigration policy.
Nonetheless, fear persists among the Haitian community regarding deportation and the impacts of Trump’s administration. As of July, nearly half a million Haitians reside in the U.S. under TPS, experiencing challenges related to racial prejudice and societal acceptance. Many have risked their lives to escape dire conditions back home, enduring perilous journeys through multiple countries. Despite their commitment to contributing positively to U.S. society, the cancellation of TPS has left individuals in turmoil regarding their future and humanitarian stability.
The situation of Haitian migrants like Augustil and Novembre illustrates the uncertainty they face in the United States, compounded by the recent revocation of Temporary Protected Status. Their desire for a stable life amid potential deportation threats highlights the complexities of immigration policy. Advocacy groups and employers are stepping up to support these individuals, but broader societal acceptance and political action are essential to secure their futures while recognizing their contributions to American society.
Original Source: favs.news
