Statement in support of Haitian children and families

Today, Haitian families face growing barriers to safety, mobility and opportunity. The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in the United States adds to those challenges and will have profound consequences in the United States, Haiti, and throughout the Haitian diaspora.

For children, stable families and supportive communities are fundamental to healthy development. These changes create the possibility that many children will lose parents, caregivers and the stability of the only communities they have known. Families who have lived in and contributed to the United States for years through a lawful immigration program now face possible separation, detention and deportation. At the same time, Haitians living in Haiti have fewer pathways to pursue education and employment, while those living abroad face challenges returning home to care for relatives, grieve loved ones or maintain vital family connections.

Migration is rarely a one-way journey. People, ideas and resources move across borders, strengthening communities in multiple countries. Haitian immigrants have enriched the economies, cultures and social fabric of every place they have lived and worked as caregivers, health professionals, entrepreneurs, laborers, artists, and community leaders.

Our decades of work in Haiti have reinforced our founder’s belief that when children and families thrive, communities thrive. We have witnessed the leadership, resilience and creativity of people working every day to build safer, healthier and more equitable futures for their children. We are committed to Haitian children and families during this uncertain moment and encourage approaches that preserve family unity, uphold the dignity of every person and create the conditions for children, families and communities to thrive.In this moment, we all have a role to play in supporting Haitian families by staying informed, supporting Haitian-led efforts and organizations, and making our voices heard. The Kellogg Foundation will continue to elevate the urgency of philanthropic investment through the Pockets of Hope campaign to support efforts that benefit Haitian families returning home, including access to education and healthcare services and economic opportunities. We will also continue engaging with Haitian organizations across the United States to deepen our understanding of how Haitian communities are being impacted, particularly children and families.