Boston Teachers Union condemns Supreme Court decision ending Temporary Protected Status protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants
Educators signal devastating impact for thousands of Massachusetts residents and their families
BOSTON — The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) expressed profound disappointment following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing the federal government to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants, a ruling that will have immediate consequences for families, students, and communities across Massachusetts.
The decision clears the way for the termination of TPS for more than 350,000 Haitians and approximately 6,000 Syrians, while significantly limiting the ability of federal courts to review future TPS determinations. Massachusetts is home to one of the nation’s largest Haitian communities and tens of thousands of TPS holders live and work throughout the Commonwealth, with many of their children enrolled in Boston Public Schools and other districts across the state. The ruling leaves many families facing uncertainty over their ability to remain together and continue contributing to their communities.
Boston Teachers Union President Erik Berg shared a statement on the decision:
“Our students cannot thrive when they are forced to wonder whether a parent will come home at the end of the day or whether their family will be torn apart. Today’s decision is heartbreaking for the thousands of Boston students whose families have built their lives in our communities, contributed to our economy, and enriched our classrooms.
Boston’s public schools are stronger because of our immigrant students, families and employees. Our educators see every day the resilience, talent, and determination immigrant students bring to school despite enormous challenges. Instead of creating more fear and instability, our country should be providing families with the security they need to succeed. We know that there are BTU members with TPS status working in our schools whose contributions to school communities are now jeopardized.
The Boston Teachers Union stands in solidarity with every student, family and worker affected by this ruling. We remain committed to ensuring our schools are welcoming, safe places where every child can learn, regardless of where they or their parents were born. We call on elected leaders to pursue permanent protections that keep families together and recognize the invaluable contributions immigrant communities make to Boston and our nation.”
By affirming that the executive branch has virtually unrestrained power over the TPS program, the precedent could ultimately impact additional immigrant populations. The four remaining countries whose citizens continue to receive TPS — El Salvador, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine — could also see those protections revoked when their designations come up for renewal this fall.
The Boston Teachers Union reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside community organizations, immigrant advocates, and public officials to support students and families affected by the decision.
“As educators, we know that students learn best when they feel safe,” Berg added. “That sense of safety extends far beyond the classroom walls. Every child deserves the opportunity to focus on learning, and to not live in fear that their family could be separated.”
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About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.