Call to Protect Haitian Workers’ Status

On Thursday, Congressman Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, urged the Trump administration to prevent the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian healthcare workers. This came after the Supreme Court allowed the administration to end TPS, which has been crucial for those individuals.

In a post on X, Lawler emphasized that these migrant workers deserve to keep their protected status due to their vital contributions to humanitarian efforts and the health system in Haiti. His comments coincided with the Court’s ruling that federal courts cannot evaluate executive decisions to revoke TPS.

“Although I haven’t questioned the president’s power to end TPS, I strongly oppose the termination of Haiti’s TPS right now,” Lawler stated. He expressed concerns that if TPS is revoked, the administration should provide a structured process for those affected to maintain their work permits while their immigration cases are processed over the next six months.

Lawler pointed out the dire situation in Haiti, calling it a humanitarian and political disaster, which he believes justifies extending the protections. He mentioned that the State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, advising Americans to evacuate due to rampant gang control, gun and drug trafficking, and kidnappings.

“We aim to eliminate these threats, establishing a stable government through fair elections and creating environments where Haitians can return safely,” he added.

Lawler also noted that about a third of Haiti’s more than 350,000 TPS holders contribute to the U.S. healthcare system. He cautioned that terminating TPS abruptly could lead to crises for hospitals and care facilities.

He concluded by urging fellow senators to support a bill he co-sponsored with Democratic Representative Laura Guillen to temporarily extend TPS for Haitians.

Meanwhile, Georgia Republican Andrew Clyde criticized the call for TPS continuation, labeling it a betrayal to Americans. He remarked that some Republicans pushing for TPS protection are also advocating for broader amnesty measures through legislation like the DIGNIDAD Act.

Initially granted TPS by the Obama administration in 2010 after a devastating earthquake, Haitians have relied on this status for over a decade. Lawler, representing a district previously held by former Vice President Kamala Harris, faces a challenging path ahead with his re-election campaign against Democrat Kate Conley.