As the United States prepares to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians, Leslie Voltaire has stepped forward with a firm and compassionate voice, warning the international community of the disastrous consequences for Haiti.
Voltaire, a seasoned Haitian statesman and former chair of the Transitional Presidential Council, is working tirelessly to restore constitutional order to the embattled Caribbean nation. He cautions that the abrupt return of tens of thousands of TPS holders could further destabilize a country already overwhelmed by gang violence, economic collapse, and displacement.
“The situation is dire,” Voltaire stated. “More than 5,000 people were killed in 2025 alone. We’re facing rampant kidnappings, rapes, and the destruction of homes and schools. While we are fighting back against the gangs, they are overwhelming us.”
But the road ahead is steep. Over 1.4 million Haitians are internally displaced, and roughly 73% of healthcare facilities are either closed or barely operational, according to UNICEF. Voltaire is calling for a coordinated international response if the U.S. moves forward with deportations.
“There are no jobs waiting in the slums,” he said. “When youth have no opportunities, the gangs become the only option.”
He emphasized that if deportations move forward, they must be matched with investments in infrastructure, education, and job creation—otherwise, the consequences could be devastating for both returning families and the country as a whole.
Among those at risk is Dieu Yolnick Jeune Cadet, a Florida-based businesswoman and mother of five who’s lived in the U.S. since 2005. Her story is one of many. “I have nothing in Haiti,” she said. “Everything I’ve built is here.”
Voltaire acknowledges these human stories with urgency. He believes the American public would support a more humane policy if they fully understood the on-the-ground realities. “The American people are generous,” he said. “If they saw the conditions we face, they wouldn’t want to send people back.”
Beyond advocacy, Voltaire is also guiding the development of secure zones and the launch of the Gang Suppression Force—a UN-backed international effort aimed at regaining control from criminal factions. It’s part of a broader vision to stabilize Haiti and reclaim its future.
With TPS protections set to expire just four days before the Council’s term ends on Feb. 7, Voltaire is racing against time—not just to safeguard returning Haitians, but to keep Haiti’s fragile stability intact.
For Haitians living under TPS, Voltaire urges them to seek legal guidance and consider measures like granting power of attorney to safeguard their families and assets.
Through crisis, Leslie Voltaire has become more than a political figure—he’s become a symbol of resilience, pragmatism, and hope. His leadership may very well define whether Haiti can rise above this moment or descend further into chaos.
