Press Releases
CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT LEADS CONGRESSIONAL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN NATIONALS
Washington, DC,
November 24, 2025
For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT LEADS CONGRESSIONAL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN NATIONALS Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) led 48 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond the February 3, 2026, expiration date. The letter highlights Haiti's dire humanitarian crisis, recently compounded by Hurricane Melissa, which killed at least 43 people and brought catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage to the island nation. "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." The letter details the catastrophic conditions in Haiti, where violent gangs have killed more than 3,000 civilians this year and displaced over 1.4 million Haitians—more than 10 percent of the country's population. Half the country's population is experiencing life-threatening hunger. Hurricane Melissa further devastated the nation by destroying homes, contaminating water supplies and agricultural land, damaging healthcare facilities, and eliminating critical infrastructure needed for humanitarian aid. The signers 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 congressional letter requests 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 engagement with Congress to explore legislative solutions providing more durable protections for Haitian nationals and other vulnerable populations. "As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday—a time that reminds us of the importance of community and caring for our neighbors—we are called to act on those values year-round," Congresswoman Plaskett added. "Haitian TPS recipients have complied with all legal requirements, contributed meaningfully to American communities, and provide essential support to their families in Haiti. Extending TPS is consistent with the statute's purpose, reflects the reality of conditions on the ground, and serves both our humanitarian values and our national security interests. I would like to thank my Democratic colleagues for joining my call to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond February 2026.” The Members of Congress who joined Congresswoman Plaskett’s letter are: 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 Read the full letter here. ### |