Gillen Hosts Press Conference on Protecting TPS for Haitians; Announces Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Extend TPS for Haitians
ELMONT, NY – Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) hosted a press conference yesterday morning on the importance of protecting the Temporary Protected Status program for Haitian nationals in danger from extreme gang violence who have lawfully come to the United States after thorough vetting. Gillen was joined by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Mimi Pierre Johnson of the Elmont Community Center, Onika Shepherd of SEIU1199, and Rev. Edy Bichotte of Bethany French Baptist Church.
During her remarks, Gillen announced the introduction of H.R. 1689, a bipartisan bill to extend TPS protections for 18 months past the Administration's new end date of August 3rd. Gillen is leading the bill alongside Republican Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Haiti Caucus Co-Chair Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). Below is a copy of her remarks as prepared for delivery:
(As prepared for delivery)
“The Administration’s abrupt, unfounded decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians will have a devastating impact on Long Island. Nearly half a million law-abiding Haitian TPS holders who followed the rules, passed thorough vetting and background checks, and lawfully came to the United States after facing extreme danger in Haiti could be impacted by this decision.
“TPS holders work, pay household income and property taxes, and contribute to our economy. What does this mean for Nassau County? Here in Nassau County, we have 26,000 Haitian residents. And almost 9 percent of all Haitian TPS holders nationwide live here in New York. That means our neighbors, who have been protected under our laws, are now having the rug pulled out from under them and face being sent back to certain, life-threatening danger.
“Our local economy will be impacted – you'll hear from Onika Shepherd about how TPS recipients work in a number of essential fields in Nassau County. The situation in Haiti is not just volatile, it’s declining: just two days ago, gangs launched a new attack on Haiti’s capital, killing scores of innocent civilians. The ongoing political unrest and horrific gang violence in Haiti are extreme circumstances, and exactly why Congress created TPS: to allow people who are unable to safely return home due to dire conditions like armed conflict – to temporarily remain here in the U.S. while contributing to our economy and our society.
“Since taking office, I’ve urged both the last Administration, and the Trump Administration to protect this vital program. And I’m proud to be joining colleagues from across the country in writing to the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security to urge the Administration to reconsider this decision and use their authority under the law to protect our Haitian neighbors.
"But if they won’t do the right thing and keep TPS in place for Haitians, Congress should take action. That’s why, today, I’m announcing the introduction of H.R. 1689, a bipartisan bill I’m leading with my colleagues Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York, and the Haiti Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, to extend TPS protections of Haiti for another 18 months past August 3rd, when the Administration is making it expire.
“This is a simple, straightforward, bipartisan solution to maintain and extend the TPS designation. In fact, our current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, introduced virtually the same bill in the Senate in 2019. And just this month, he described Haiti as 'an issue we cannot ignore. It’s a tragedy. It’s horrifying, and it needs to be dealt with.' I totally agree. And if anything, the conditions in Haiti are far worse today than they were in 2019.
"I’m thankful to my House colleagues for their bipartisan support on this crucial priority. I will continue to make every effort to prevent these protections from expiring."