Senator Carlucci Recognized Haitian Unity Day in Albany

(Albany, NY) –  Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) along with his fellow Senate and Assembly colleagues welcomed the Haitian delegation from all over New York State to Albany for Haitian Unity Day.

Haitian Unity Day recognizes the vast contributions of Haitians in New York State and is held annually at the Capitol.

“In Spring Valley, we have one of the largest Haitian populations in the state and the nation,” said Senator David Carlucci. “We see how important our Haitian citizens are to our economy in Rockland, working in the business and healthcare sectors. Haitian Unity Day allows me to bring Haitian community members to Albany to celebrate their accomplishments and Haitian culture.”

Carlucci hosted special guests from Spring Valley, including: Spring Valley Trustee Eudson Tyson Francois and Pastor Joseph Gershom of the Pool of Bethesda Ministries in Nyack.

Guests were able to tour the Capitol, attend a special luncheon and were recognized on the Senate floor before Carlucci passed Resolution 1519, establishing May 20, 2019 as Haitian Unity Day in the State of New York.

Carlucci said President Trump’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is wrong. The directive would impact nearly 60,000 Haitians across the country, including about 5,200 Haitians who work and are paying taxes in New York State.

TPS allows individuals from certain countries to live and work in the U.S. legally; however, under the President’s orders, TPS recipients from Haiti will be deported after January 2, 2020.

“Ending TPS will hurt New York and Rockland’s economy, culture, and diversity. This Haitian Unity Day I want to recommit to the Haitian community my support of not ending TPS,” said Carlucci.

According to the Center For American Progress, without Haitian TPS holders, New York’s GDP stands to lose $262.9 million annually.