FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 9, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led 33 of their colleagues in a letter to the Biden-Harris Administration urging it to designate Temporary Protected Status and prioritize a culturally relevant outreach campaign for the Republic of Mali as it faces harsh humanitarian conditions, ongoing violence against civilian populations, and armed conflict.

“Temporary Protected Status would offer a chance for safety and stability to Malians facing armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis. We are grateful for the bicameral congressional letter from Rep. Clarke and Sen. Booker’s office and their dedication to securing life-saving relief for Malian nationals facing dire circumstances. We must prioritize relief and protection for all communities affected in all our advocacy efforts,” wrote the members.

“If designated, TPS would protect over 2000 Malians in the U.S. from deportation, as well as allow them to temporarily work in the U.S. to provide for themselves and their families. We are grateful to the leadership of Congresswoman Clarke, Senator Booker, and 33 members of Congress, who have championed this program and our ask for Mali’s swift designation,” said Diana Konate, National Policy Director at African Communities Together.

“Temporary Protected Status would offer a chance for safety and stability to Malians facing armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis. We are grateful for the bicameral congressional letter from Rep. Clarke and Sen. Booker’s office and their dedication to securing life-saving relief for Malian nationals facing dire circumstances. We must prioritize relief and protection for all communities affected in all our advocacy efforts,” Ramya Reddy, TPS-DED Administrative Advocacy Coalition.

“Mali is facing extraordinary crises, including armed conflict, political instability, and a deteriorating humanitarian emergency. We thank Representative Clarke and Senator Booker for calling on the Biden administration to designate Mali for TPS and urge this administration to act without delay,” said Andrea Flores, Vice President for Immigration Policy and Campaigns at FWD.us.

The text of the letter is available here.

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