Support for Haitian TPS
Four Republican senators are collaborating with Democrats to safeguard deportation protections for approximately 350,000 Haitians.
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti was originally established following the devastating earthquake in 2010, which resulted in over 200,000 fatalities and significant injuries to another 300,000 individuals. The Obama administration argued that the 18-month TPS was essential due to the extensive damage to Haiti’s infrastructure.
After the initial designation, Haiti’s TPS status has been extended and renewed several times because of ongoing issues like disaster recovery, rampant gang violence, and political instability.
Under President Donald Trump, however, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to end the TPS designation, which is set to expire in February 2026.
Current estimates suggest that around 353,000 Haitian nationals, among others who last lived in Haiti, are protected under TPS.
In a statement, DHS indicated that there are “no special and temporary circumstances in Haiti” that would warrant the continued protection for Haitian nationals. They further elaborated that even if extraordinary circumstances were found, removing TPS for Haiti would still align better with U.S. national interests.
In February 2023, a U.S. District Court judge ruled to keep the TPS designation for Haiti in effect.
Previously, Congresswoman Laura Guillen (D-N.Y.) introduced a bill that would compel DHS to continue TPS for Haiti for another 18 months. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) has worked to expedite a House vote on Guillen’s bill.
This past Friday, four Republican lawmakers—Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY), and Rep. Don Bacon (NE)—joined Democrats in supporting the discharge petition. This petition now has the required 218 signatures to proceed.
Pressley pointed out that many Haitians are vital members of their communities, highlighting their roles as parents, workers, and leaders facing the threat of deportation back to a nation in turmoil. She expressed hope that this movement will help protect lives.
The House is anticipated to vote on the resolution aimed at moving forward with the TPS extension in the coming weeks. Should it pass, lawmakers will also consider HR 1689.
Co-sponsor of HR 1689, Lawler characterized the proposal as “bipartisan” and described the situation in Haiti as “dire,” marked by gang violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. He expressed frustration that his bill has been stalled in the House without any vote for over a year.
Salazar echoed these sentiments in her statement, asserting the importance of TPS for individuals unable to return home safely.
