Haiti's World Cup return lifts New York community amid immigration fears

For Haitians in New York, the national men's soccer team's first World Cup appearance since 1974 offers a much-needed moment of joy and unity. This is particularly significant for a community grappling with the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies and deportation threats.

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Now the Knicks stuff is over, you’ll definitely see all the Haitian colours.

The blue and orange of the Knicks may still adorn storefronts in Little Haiti, but locals anticipate a shift to Haiti's national colors. "Now the Knicks stuff is over, you’ll definitely see all the Haitian colours," said actor Vladimir Calixte, wearing a Haiti flag. The team's participation is a source of pride for the estimated 200,000 people of Haitian descent in New York, providing a welcome distraction from the anxieties of potential deportation.

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In my shop everybody talks about this all the time.

However, the looming threat of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at World Cup stadiums casts a shadow over the celebrations. "I feel like that’s creating unnecessary fear," said Brooklyn-based artist Lyne Lucien, who created illustrations for FIFA's Artist Series. "There’s so much fear, even people who have US residency cards are afraid to go. People who have just received their citizenship are afraid to go."

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The tickets are out of price. If they were cheaper, of course I would go. But now we’re gonna watch the game in the courtyard with my husband and friends.

While Haiti lost its opening match and faces a formidable opponent in Brazil, the team's presence transcends the game itself. It reflects the global nature of the Haitian diaspora, with players hailing from various countries. "Haiti extends far beyond our actual land," Lucien explained. "Our community looks like the team, with people all over the world, and we still come together as one."

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Haiti extends far beyond our actual land. Our community looks like the team, with people all over the world, and we still come together as one.