Issued December 06, 2022
WASHINGTON — SEIU International Executive Vice President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement in reaction to the Department of Homeland Security announcement extending and redesignatingTemporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti:
“Given the disastrous and dangerous conditions unfolding in Port-au-Prince, we are relieved that Secretary Mayorkas has extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The decision marks a sharp and welcome contrast with the Trump administration, which tried unsuccessfully to end TPS for Haiti, ignoring the worsening situation there that clearly qualifies Haitians in the U.S. for protection under our laws.
This is a victory for Haitian communities across our country whose advocacy played a critical role in securing humanitarian protection for more than a quarter million Haitians living, working, and contributing to our economy. People from Haiti, including SEIU members, include many frontline workers who secure our airports, clean office buildings, and hospitals, and work in care jobs, helping families and communities. This important action will keep American families safe and together and ensure they are not forced to return to a nation in crisis.
“We once again call on Congress to act now by passing humane policies that will create a pathway to citizenship for TPS holders, Dreamers, and other undocumented people with deep roots in this country.”