Democratic Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett sent a letter signed by 48 of her colleagues to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging the immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond the expiration date of February 3rd, 2026.

"[...] Haiti represents the most acute humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. The ongoing political and security crisis, fueled by violent gangs and now exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa's devastating impact, makes the continuation of these protections both statutorily appropriate and essential to America's moral values and national security interests," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Haitian TPS recipients have maintained full compliance with all legal requirements, contribute $4.4 billion annually to the United States economy, and pay over $1 billion a year in federal taxes. They are integral members of American communities working in healthcare, construction, agriculture, transportation, and countless other sectors that keep our nation running."

Further on, the signatories wrote "If the Trump administration does not renew TPS for Haitians by February 2026, it will deal a significant blow to both the American and Haitian economies. Beyond the economic impact, allowing TPS to lapse would further destabilize Haiti, creating opportunities for adversary nations, including China and Russia, to establish greater footholds in a region of vital importance to American security. We are deeply concerned that the Administration is actively deporting Haitians back to life-threatening conditions and gang-controlled territory."

The letter from Congress calls for an 18-month extension of Haiti’s TPS designation, a comprehensive review of conditions in Haiti incorporating assessments from multiple federal agencies and humanitarian organizations, and an engagement with Congress to explore legislative solutions that provide more sustainable protections for Haitian nationals and other vulnerable populations.

List of signatories, Members of Congress :

Joyce Beatty, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. , Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Shomari Figures, Yvette D. Clarke, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Terri A. Sewell, Nydia M. Velazquez, Ritchie Torres, Betty McCollum, Gwen S. Moore, Ayanna Pressley, LaMonica McIver, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Maxine Waters, Wesley Bell, Janelle S. Bynum, Andre Carson, Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Lois Frankel, Gabe Amo, Jim Himes, Marilyn Strickland, Katherine M. Clark, Robin L. Kelly, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Lauren Underwood, Al Green, William R. Keating, Jonathan L. Jacksin, Frederica S. Wilson, Diane DeGette, Valerie P. Foushee, Seth Moulton, Joe Courtney, Sarah McBride, Jared Huffman, Sylvia R. Garcia, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Madeleine Dean, Pramila Jayapal, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Jan Schakowsky, Kweisi Mfume, Dwight Evans, James P. McGovern, Juan Vargas.

HL/ HaitiLibre