Worcester Mayor Joe Petty on Haitian TPS, Police Protest Settlement, Worcester Airport, and City Growth

Haitian Temporary Protected Status Raises Major Concerns

“They’re part of this community. They work hard and the impact is going to be a very negative impact if this occurs and they start deporting Haitians out of the city.”

By-Hank Stolz
Photo – Submitted

WORCESTER, MA- Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty joined Talk of the Commonwealth for a wide-ranging conversation covering immigration, public safety, economic development, community celebrations, and the city’s future.

Protest Lawsuit Settlement Nears Completion

Mayor Petty discussed the tentative settlement reached in litigation involving arrests made during the June 2020 demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.

Because the agreement has not yet been finalized, the mayor declined to discuss financial details.

“I’m not going to say too much about it right now, maybe next week once it becomes public.”

Petty did, however, reflect on the difficult circumstances faced by Worcester police officers during a rapidly evolving and emotionally charged evening.

Haitian Temporary Protected Status Raises Major Concerns

One of the interview’s most significant topics centered on the possible elimination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many Haitian immigrants.

Petty warned that losing legal work authorization for thousands of Haitians could have serious consequences for Worcester’s economy.

“They’re part of this community. They work hard and the impact is going to be a very negative impact if this occurs and they start deporting Haitians out of the city.”

He pointed specifically to healthcare, nursing homes, home care agencies, restaurants, hospitality, and other industries that rely heavily on Haitian workers.

Petty called for proactive planning, including:

• Expanded pro bono legal assistance
• Guidance for employers
• State support for affected families
• Coordination among local, state, and federal officials

He said he has already spoken with James P. McGovern, the Worcester City Manager, and the Kim Driscoll regarding possible responses.

“Where’s people’s moral compass? You’ve got to send people back to Haiti. Are you kidding me?”

Community Celebrations Showcase Worcester

Petty highlighted several recent events that brought residents together.

He praised the Fourth of July festivities at East Park and pointed to Worcester’s successful FIFA World Cup Watch Parties as examples of community-building through shared experiences.

“Bring all these countries together. It shows that we all can get along and we all can really enjoy each other’s company.”

The mayor said events like these help strengthen Worcester’s identity as a welcoming and diverse city.

Addressing Police Recruitment

The interview also touched on legislation extending the maximum hiring age for police officers from 32 to 39.

Petty said the change gives departments another tool to recruit experienced candidates at a time when law enforcement agencies across the country continue to face staffing shortages.

Main South Continues to Evolve

Petty discussed continued investment in the Main South neighborhood, pointing to ongoing development and business activity while acknowledging that challenges involving housing, addiction, and public safety remain.

He emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with investments that improve quality of life for neighborhood residents.

Worcester Airport’s Future

The conversation concluded with a look at Worcester Regional Airport.

Petty acknowledged that passenger traffic has yet to return to its full potential following the pandemic but expressed optimism that continued improvements and industry recovery will create new opportunities for expansion.