Since Temporary Protected Status for Haitians ended, many young people have lost their legal status and work permits, and some are giving up on college plans, The Haitian Times reported. At one Long Island high school, 17 Haitian graduates bound for college with scholarships chose not to go because they fear going out.

Nationwide, about 19,000 of the 525,000 undocumented students in 2025 were from Haiti, according to research for the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Education consultant Frantz Dorsainvil urges families to keep their goals. “Just hold on,” he said.

Advocates say help does not always cost money: inviting young people to a meal or a gathering, checking in on them to break their isolation and sharing reliable information can make a difference. Mental health support is also needed.

Community groups say the need for cash is urgent. Life of Hope, Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP), Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Flanbwayan in New York and the Haitian Support Center in Springfield are among those accepting donations. CUNY and SUNY offer online options, and some states and cities still fund undocumented students.