Overview:
As the brand new yr begins, The Haitian Occasions shares what’s prime of thoughts in 2026 — throughout the U.S., Haiti and the diaspora.
A brand new yr at all times brings a mixture of urgency and reflection— and 2026 is not any exception. At The Haitian Occasions, we’ve taken inventory of what feels most urgent throughout our communities, from native politics in New York to political upheaval in Haiti and the worldwide shifts in between.
Right here’s what’s prime of thoughts for us this yr.
The destiny of TPS and what occurs after Feb. 3
Momentary Protected Standing (TPS) for Haitians is at present set to run out on Feb. 3. The looming deadline has created uncertainty for 1000’s who’ve lived, labored and raised households within the U.S. for many years. Whether or not the administration enforces deportations or gives an extension might set the tone for immigration coverage throughout this election yr — and form the lives of numerous Haitian households.
In Springfield, town thrust into the nationwide highlight over false claims about its Haitian inhabitants, the top of TPS might have rapid penalties. How employers, church buildings and Haitian neighborhood leaders there reply might present an early glimpse of how different cities throughout the nation navigate life after authorized protections are shut down.
In New York, a brand new mayor — and acquainted questions
With Zohran Mamdani now mayor of New York Metropolis, the native political panorama has shifted towards extra progressivism underneath the Democratic Socialist. Six recognized Haitian Individuals had been named to his transition crew — a degree of illustration hardly ever seen, a minimum of publicly. Whether or not that visibility turns into actual affect stays to be decided, significantly on points like reasonably priced housing, small enterprise help, nonprofit sustainability and immigration protections that instantly impression Haitian New Yorkers.
On the similar time, political energy buildings inside enclaves like Brooklyn, Queens — and Lengthy Island, albeit exterior town’s borders — proceed to evolve. Longtime civic leaders, church networks and neighborhood organizers who’re conventional Democrats nonetheless play central roles. How these grassroots establishments interact with — or push towards — Metropolis Corridor’s progressive can be price watching.
Trump’s Corollary
Donald Trump’s presidency carries broad implications for the Western Hemisphere as he strikes to “reassert and implement the Monroe Doctrine to revive American preeminence” within the area. Such an aggressive posture towards Latin America and the Caribbean, underneath the banner of “commercial diplomacy” and allegedly halting drug trafficking, might convey new tariffs, migration quotas and army stress throughout the area.
“That is the Western Hemisphere. That is the place we dwell — and we’re not going to permit the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, rivals, and rivals of america,” Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, stated after the removing of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Already within the new yr, Trump eliminated Maduro in an in a single day raid of Caracas and introduced that oil firms will run the nation, triggering calls of condemnation from different international locations and world our bodies. Such actions might additional destabilize Haiti if long-present earnings inequality tensions and gang violence had been to escalate, significantly amongst financial elites who might search offers to guard their pursuits.
Safety and elections in Haiti?
Discuss of elections continues, with the primary spherical scheduled for Aug. 30, however deep skepticism stays. Circumstances on the bottom, the position or destiny of the transitional council—whose mandate is about to run out on Feb. 7— the deployment of worldwide safety forces and the supply of funding will decide whether or not any vote is possible or respectable. For now, the Haitian public seems cautious, ready for indicators that this time can be totally different.
Rising well being care prices for working households
Federal coverage modifications are driving up the price of well being care for a lot of. The rollback of premium subsidies has hit households counting on ACA and Medicare Benefit plans particularly onerous, together with many within the Haitian American neighborhood. Between housing prices and inflation, this added monetary pressure is already being felt.
Local weather vulnerability — and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Local weather change stays a relentless undercurrent, significantly for Haitians in areas weak to flooding, hurricanes and excessive warmth. Final yr’s Hurricane Melissa confirmed once more how rapidly catastrophe can strike and the way unprepared a lot of the area stays. Local weather will proceed to impression infrastructure, agriculture, migration and public well being.
Digital alternative — and digital exploitation
The digital financial system is reworking Haitian life in actual time. Content material creation, AI instruments and distant work platforms are creating new earnings streams for some. However they’re additionally enabling the unfold of misinformation, exploitation of cultural id and widening inequalities.
Haitian American political id heading into midterms
With midterm elections later this yr, Haitian American voters are reassessing their political identities. Lengthy loyal to the Democratic Social gathering, many started expressing frustration in the course of the 2024 elections on the lack of tangible positive aspects and lack of immigration protections. Now, many additionally query whether or not Haitian American elected officers can wield actual affect, significantly with scandals related to probably the most high-profile amongst them erupting.
In states like New York and Florida, the place Haitian communities have constructed deep electoral energy, these questions really feel particularly pressing. The position of church-based organizing, native advocacy, and shifting generational priorities might reshape how Haitian voters interact in 2026, and with whom.
Excessive-profile felony, civil and immigration instances
A number of high-profile felony, civil and immigration instances involving Haitians are additionally shaping public consideration this yr. In Florida, media character Carel Pedre was positioned in ICE custody after a misdemeanor home violence arrest, triggering a #FreeCarel marketing campaign as particulars of his immigration case stay undisclosed.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick, the primary Haitian American lady elected to Congress, faces federal costs alleging fraud, cash laundering and marketing campaign finance violations tied to pandemic aid funds — allegations she denies.
In Colorado, greater than 1,000 Haitian staff have filed a category motion lawsuit towards meatpacking big JBS, alleging misleading recruitment by way of TikTok, discriminatory therapy, unsafe working circumstances and exploitative housing on the firm’s Greeley plant — with TPS expiration threatening to derail their claims.
Authorized scrutiny has additionally reached the cultural sphere and oligarchy. Haitian music veteran Fabrice Rouzier has sued Joé Dwèt Filé and collaborators over copyright claims tied to the worldwide hit 4 Kampé, whereas enterprise figures Reginald Boulos and Dimitri Vorbe had been detained within the U.S. amid immigration fraud allegations and accusations of backing armed teams in Haiti.
Collectively, these instances mirror heightened authorized publicity throughout Haitian public life.
The World Cup
And at last, however not least, a world celebration. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted within the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Haitians within the diaspora are already getting ready to assemble, cheer and have a good time Les Grenadiers towards Scotland, Brazil and Morocco this summer time. Whether or not at watch events, the stadium stands or their residing rooms, the matches are a welcome second of pleasure and connection in a heavy yr—no matter sporting outcomes ultimately.