Today, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI-13), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09), Chair of the CBC Immigration Working Group released the following joint statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to cancel Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 50,000 Haitian nationals living in the United States.
“We are outraged by the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for more than 50,000 Haitians who will now be forced to return home. The earthquake in 2010 killed more than 300,000 people, disrupted the function of civil society in Haiti, displacing families from their homes, closing schools and social service agencies, creating instability in government, and undermining the economy. These conditions were exacerbated by the cholera epidemic, subsequent hurricanes, and food insecurity crisis, which continues to this day.
“The people of Haiti demonstrated extraordinary resolve in their efforts to rebuild. These efforts have been supported by Haitian nationals here in the United States who have worked hard and sent money to family members and friends. These remittances are critical to the recovery, and have provided for basic needs, including education, agricultural restoration, business development, and home reconstruction.
“Although the Administration granted Haitians another 18 months in the United States, the conditions on the ground clearly merit continuing TPS coverage, rather than terminating this essential, life-saving designation.
“While campaigning in Miami, then-candidate Donald Trump called Haitian-Americans hard-working, creative, and industrious, and promised to be their ‘greatest champion.’ Today, Donald Trump broke that promise.
“By ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, the Trump Administration has put the lives of more than 50,000 people at risk. This is a low point for this Administration. Today’s decision will leave an indelible mark further tarnishing his legacy.
“Today’s wrongful decision underscores the need for Congress to lead by passing bipartisan comprehensive TPS legislation that would provide meaningful relief to Haiti and all other similarly situated countries.”
