FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 28, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: dan.kalmowitz@mail.house.gov

c: 202.819.4445

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement regarding the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months: 

“The Administration’s action to redesignate and extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians residing in our nation could not come at a more pivotal moment. For years, our cherished Caribbean ally has remained in the grips of a devastating and destructive series of political, economic, and violent crises. It would be unconscionable for the United States to have returned innocent families to the dire and dangerous situation that Haiti is currently confronting. Thankfully, today’s decision will provide an estimated 309,000 Haitian nationals the safety and security they deserve while their country works to overcome its ongoing struggles. I am grateful to Secretary Mayorkas for both his dedication to protecting vulnerable communities from tragic human rights abuses, and his devotion to upholding our foundational principle that this nation must remain a sanctuary for those seeking relief and refuge from persecution. The United States owes a debt to Haiti – and this necessary decision represents but one step in the long road to repaying it.“

###