Fonkoze Family TPS Statement
This is a departure from the typical communication you’d receive from us. The Fonkoze Family does not usually comment on political events or policy decisions.
Our work is rooted in a specific responsibility: expanding economic opportunity for Haitians, strengthening the communities they call home and promoting Haitian culture outside of Haiti. But when a policy decision has the potential to directly affect the families that we serve, it intersects directly with our mission.
This is one of those moments.
Every day across the Fonkoze Family, our Haitian colleagues work alongside individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and communities who are building businesses, improving health, educating children, strengthening local economies, and creating greater opportunity for their families and communities.
We know first-hand that the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will cause profound harm—not only to the more than 350,000 Haitians in the United States who have built lives, raised families, contributed to their communities, and strengthened the U.S. economy, but also to the families in Haiti.
This potential impact comes at a time when 1.5 million Haitians are displaced by violence, nearly 6 million people face hunger, gender-based violence remains a grave concern, and economic opportunity is scarce. For nearly 30 years, Fonkoze has worked alongside Haitian communities, delivering results despite extraordinarily difficult circumstances. From that experience, we know that the prospect of large numbers of people returning to a country already confronting an extraordinary humanitarian crisis would place additional strain on families and communities already carrying an enormous burden.
This decision is unjust, and we stand in solidarity with the Haitian people and those advocating for the continued protection, dignity, and security of Haitian families.
For generations, Haitians have been asked to endure circumstances that few people should have to face. The Haitian spirit has never been defined by adversity; it has been defined by perseverance and strength. As the Haitian proverb reminds us, “Dèyè mòn gen mòn”—beyond the mountains, there are more mountains. The saying acknowledges a truth Haitians know far too well: one challenge is often followed by another. Haitians have repeatedly met extraordinary challenges with courage, creativity, faith, and determination.
But perseverance should never be mistaken for an ability—or an obligation—to endure endlessly without support. There are moments when we must state plainly what should not need to be said: Haitian people deserve to be treated fairly, humanely, and with dignity under U.S. law. This is one of those moments.
Whatever the months ahead may bring, Fonkoze will remain committed to doing what we have always done: expanding access to financial services and economic opportunity, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening rural communities, and providing Haitians with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods and economic security. We will continue walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Haitians as they build the future they deserve.
Our mission has never changed when circumstances become difficult.
It becomes even more important.
Signed on behalf of the Fonkoze Family
Fonkoze Family Council
Julian Schroeder, Fonkoze Family Council Chair
Larry Arbuthnott, Fonkoze USA Board Chair
Maurice Chavannes, Fonkoze Financial Services Board Chair
Fonkoze CEO Council
Erlantz Hyppolite, Executive Director, Fonkoze USA
Carine Roenen, Executive Director, Fonkoze Foundation
Dominique Boyer, CEO, Fonkoze Financial Services
Fonkoze Honorary Board Member
Matt Balitsaris
Fonkoze Foundation Board Member
Fednel Isma