Gillen Sends Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Urging Reinstatement of Humanitarian Parole for Haitian Citizens
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging her to reinstate critical humanitarian parole for hardworking, law-abiding Haitian citizens fleeing life-threatening danger in their home country.
Rep. Gillen has been vocal about the importance of protecting legal, vetted pathways for Haitian asylum seekers, many of whom have settled on Long Island. In February, Rep. Gillen introduced bipartisan legislation to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals alongside Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Haiti Caucus Co-Chair Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20).
The full letter can be found HERE and the below:
Dear Secretary Noem:
I am deeply concerned by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to terminate humanitarian parole for Haitian citizens. I urge you to immediately reinstate this program and prevent hardworking, legal Haitian immigrants from being sent back to certain, life-threatening danger. I am requesting a meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter.
As you know, the situation in Haiti is volatile and declining. Between January and May of this year, 2,680 people have been killed, and 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing gang violence. There is widespread recognition that the ongoing unrest in Haiti is extreme and demands a response. I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1689, with my Republican colleague, Congressman Mike Lawler, to extend temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian migrants.
The CHNV parole program created a safe, legal pathway for Haitian asylum seekers escaping humanitarian crises. Applicants are required to have a lawful U.S.-based sponsor and pass rigorous security vetting. This important program helps migrants escape from repressive, violent regimes, while contributing to our communities.
Nassau County is proud to be home to one of the largest Haitian American populations in the country, and our Haitian neighbors have made significant contributions to our community. Hardworking, law-abiding Haitians who have come here legally and face extreme danger in their home country should not have their status suddenly terminated. I urge you to reconsider your decision to terminate this program, which would subject more Haitians to oppressive conditions, hurt our economy and undermine our values.
I am ready to work with DHS on a bipartisan basis to help secure the border, prevent unlawful migration and enforce our laws, while protecting Haitians who deserve special humanitarian status. Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to meeting with you.
Regards,
Laura Gillen