Rep. Rich McCormick Discusses TPS for Haitians

In a recent interview on “The Joe Paggs Show,” Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) talked about his support for extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and others who have crossed the border without documentation. Some Haitians have expressed concerns, stating, “I am asking for a separate consideration for those who came here in good faith—those who have never broken the law, those who are working, and those who are not a burden to our society.” They criticized the approach of figures like Kristi Noem, suggesting that it’s unfair to treat everybody the same.

McCormick remarked, “I’m not here to protect individuals who entered illegally. If someone crosses the southern border illegally, I’m okay with sending them back, no matter where they’re from. However, some Haitians entered legally and are now contributing by working in hospitals and nursing homes. The people I know, whom I respect, haven’t broken any laws.” He emphasized, “It’s not just a matter of one law, but the entirety of the law.”

He also pointed out that revoking TPS doesn’t mean these individuals would be sent home immediately; it would affect their ability to work while awaiting their day in court. “For those relying on welfare—a significant percentage—it could lead to complete dependence while waiting for legal proceedings,” he added.

When host Joe Pags inquired whether a distinction could be made between those who entered during the Biden administration and those seeking refuge due to the earthquake and adverse conditions in Haiti, McCormick affirmed his intention to address this issue. “I reached out to the administration, hoping for a discussion when Kristi Noem announced her plan to send everyone back. It’s crucial to consider individual circumstances rather than grouping everyone together. Not everyone is subjected to the same rules or circumstances,” he explained.

Pags further clarified, “So, to be clear, you’re saying that those who entered seeking safety from the earthquake and those targeted by violence in Haiti came in good faith, not crossing the border illegally. You believe these individuals deserve their day in court, but you’re also okay with potentially revoking their temporary status?”

McCormick agreed, saying, “Absolutely. Ideally, we shouldn’t send them back to Haiti but perhaps back to Mexico or Brazil, wherever they arrived first. A broad rule doesn’t seem justifiable.”