Soto Statement on Trump Administration Decision to End Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

Press Release

U.S. Representative Darren Soto released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it is ending the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, with an 18-month deadline:

"It is beyond cruel that on Thanksgiving week the Trump Administration announces a heartless decision to break Haitian families apart. For over 7 years, Haitians have enriched our Central Florida community, contributed to our state's economy, and raised children that have only known Florida as their home. Forcing close to 50,000 Haitians immigrants back to the Western Hemisphere's most impoverished country is inhumane and not a reflection of our values as a nation," stated Rep. Soto.

"Haiti is still struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake and natural disasters that led to a cholera outbreak and killed thousands; the country is not equipped for thousands to return. As Florida is the second largest U.S. state with a TPS population from Haiti, I will continue to do everything in my power to help protect Haitians who are a big part of our state. I stand with my colleagues in urging the administration to reconsider this decision."

TPS is designated to individuals from countries that have ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, epidemics or other extraordinary conditions that prevent the country's nationals from returning home safely. Haitians were granted TPS after a 2010 earthquake left the country in dire conditions and they have now become the second largest group of foreigners with temporary status in the United States.

On Monday, November 20th, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke announced TPS holders from Haiti will have a termination date of July 2019, and will have until then to seek alternative lawful immigration status or arrange for departure from the United States.

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