By Le Floridien staff |
NEW YORK — Standing alongside President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion on Monday, September 21, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had raised the future of Haitian immigrants during their private meeting.
Asked about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) at their joint press appearance, Mamdani said he had expressed strong views about keeping immigrant New Yorkers safe. He emphasized the importance of Haitian New Yorkers to the city’s communities, economy and workforce.
Trump confirmed that the mayor had brought up the issue and felt strongly about it. When asked for his own view, the president spoke generally about taking care of people. He did not announce a change to Haitian TPS during the press appearance.
The exchange was brief, but it brought the concerns of Haitian immigrants directly into a conversation between the mayor of New York and the president. For families facing uncertainty over their ability to live and work in the United States, the question is whether that conversation will lead to a federal decision.
Mamdani has previously urged Trump to restore TPS or grant Deferred Enforced Departure to affected Haitians. In an August statement, the mayor described Haitian New Yorkers’ contributions to health care, construction, hospitality, small businesses and the city’s cultural life. He also said New York had been required to review the work authorization of city employees affected by the loss of TPS protections.
