Congressional leaders are pushing new legislation to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals as the humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues, according to a joint announcement.
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen said she welcomed Senate companion legislation led by U.S. Sens. Edward J. Markey, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, along with 16 additional Senate Democrats. The measure mirrors Gillen’s H.R. 1689, which passed the House in April on a bipartisan vote.
The legislation would extend TPS protections for more than 300,000 Haitian nationals, allowing eligible individuals to continue living and working in the United States amid ongoing political instability, widespread violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages called the introduction of companion Senate legislation "an important step forward in the fight to protect Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals."
Solages, the daughter of Haitian immigrants and the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature, said she understands firsthand the contributions of the Haitian community to New York and the nation. She said that, given Haiti's ongoing political instability, violence and humanitarian challenges, "sending individuals back to those conditions would be both dangerous and deeply unjust."
She also commended Sens. Ed Markey, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Charles Schumer, as well as Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Laura Gillen, "and all those who have worked to advance this legislation.
Gillen said the House passage of her bill marked a “major milestone” in efforts to preserve protections for Haitian nationals and expressed support for advancing the Senate version.
Markey said Haiti is facing “life-threatening conditions” that have displaced nearly 1.5 million people, calling the legislation a moral obligation and recognition of Haitian contributions in the U.S.
Blunt Rochester said the extension of TPS reflects a need to protect the Haitian community and support economic stability in U.S. communities.
Schumer criticized efforts to end TPS protections, calling them “cruel” and “inhumane,” and urged the Senate to act quickly.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley also voiced support, saying the measure reflects the strength of a grassroots coalition and the importance of protecting Haitian communities in the U.S.
