Exclusive Piece

The GHACC Has Been Defending the Haitian-American Community for Over 20 Years—But Where Is Our Support?

By LJ Cange – Opinion Contributor, The Haitian Pulse
June 7, 2025

To Our Readers: It’s Time to Rally

If you’re a Haitian business owner, student, artist, or professional—this fight is yours. Support the institutions that are supporting you.

In a political climate thick with anti-immigrant rhetoric and executive actions targeting vulnerable populations, one Florida-based organization has quietly become a lifeline for the Haitian-American community—but too few are paying attention, and even fewer are stepping up.

For over two decades, the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GHACC) has served as a strategic pillar in the fight for equity, opportunity, and respect for Haitian immigrants. From economic empowerment to immigration policy advocacy, GHACC has been doing the work others only talk about—consistently, relentlessly, and unapologetically.

Their latest act of resistance? A powerful rebuke of President Donald J. Trump’s new proclamation suspending Haitian nationals from entering the U.S.—a move that, under the guise of national security, completely ignores the humanitarian catastrophe in Haiti and the immense contributions of Haitians in America.

But while GHACC is defending our dignity, far too many in our community are still silent—and absent.

A Legacy of Action, Not Just Words

When others flinch, GHACC holds firm.

• When Haitian small businesses were denied pandemic relief funds? GHACC intervened.

• When the CHNV parole program—offering safe pathways for vetted migrants—was abruptly ended? GHACC raised its voice.

• When Haitian workers in Florida were targeted by anti-immigrant state laws? GHACC pushed back.

These actions weren’t headlines. They were boots-on-the-ground efforts from a team that has never stopped believing in the promise of our people—even when our people didn’t believe in them.

Let’s Talk Numbers—Because Our Impact Is Undeniable

According to the American Immigration Council:

• $207 billion in state and local taxes are paid by immigrants every year.

• Haitian-American entrepreneurs generate more than $13 billion in business income.

• Haitian workers are critical to healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, education, and construction across Florida.

And yet, despite these massive contributions, the Haitian-American community remains underrepresented, underprotected, and underestimated in national policy decisions.

GHACC has not only been sounding the alarm—they’ve been building the fire escape.

Why Don’t We Show Up for Our Own Champions?

Too often, the community treats institutions like GHACC as optional. But what happens when they’re gone? Who will lobby for us? Who will meet with lawmakers? Who will respond when federal policies change overnight?

We are long past the time for passive spectatorship.

This isn’t charity work—it’s nation-building.

Support Isn’t Optional. It’s Urgent.

GHACC needs more than applause—they need allies:

Join the Chamber
Share their work with others
Invite your network to get involved
Donate to fund their advocacy

Because in the face of rising anti-Black, anti-immigrant sentiment, our silence is complicity. And GHACC can’t fight this alone.

This Is a Movement—Not a Moment

GHACC has stood tall for over 20 years—through hurricanes, deportations, policy reversals, and cultural erasure. What they’ve built is not just a chamber—it’s a defense line for our future.

Let’s not wait until it’s gone to recognize its worth.

👇 What are your thoughts on GHACC’s work and the new immigration restrictions? Post your comment below. Let your voice be part of the conversation.

About The Haitian Pulse

The Haitian Pulse exists to inform, empower, and unite the Haitian community—both in Haiti and across the diaspora. Our responsibility is to amplify truth, hold power accountable, and shine a spotlight on the people, issues, and institutions shaping our future. We are a voice for the voiceless, a platform for action, and a guardian of our collective dignity. In moments of crisis and triumph alike, we remain committed to documenting, defending, and driving progress—for Haitians, by Haitians.