Community leaders and immigration advocates convened outside Senator Ashley Moody’s office in downtown Orlando on Wednesday to urge support for extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and to call for a moratorium on deportations to Haiti. The Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition emphasized that the cessation of TPS is adversely affecting numerous families and workers throughout Florida.
The coalition is advocating for Senators Moody and Rick Scott to co-sponsor Senate Bill 4814, which proposes an extension of TPS protections for Haitians through early 2029. Advocates expressed their collective plea, with Marie G. Joseph, a Haitian national, articulating the sentiment, “Just give us a chance.”
Impact of TPS Termination
Temporary Protected Status is designated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for eligible foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other crisis conditions. TPS for Haiti was officially terminated on July 27. Hedder Pierre Joseph, a spokesman for the Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition, echoed the alarm over the impact of this termination.
Yamina Sfiat, representing the Central Florida Latino Action Network, noted that more than 150,000 Haitians in Florida are affected by this policy change. Sfiat added, “These are not just numbers. They are our nurses, our CNAs, our teachers and construction workers,” remarking on the significant roles they play in the local community.
Leaders from the tourism workers union Unite Here Local 737, which represents Haitian workers, expressed concerns regarding the potential effects on the local workforce across various sectors. Isaie Marc, an organizer for the union, stated that many individuals impacted work in well-known local establishments such as theme parks and hotels. He advocated for providing TPS holders who have established lives in the U.S. the opportunity to apply for citizenship.
In addition to their appeal regarding TPS, advocates raised concerns about conditions at an ICE detention facility in Orlando, urging for reforms to address what they describe as inhumane treatment of detainees.
Senate Bill 4814 was introduced on June 17 and is currently under review by the Committee on the Judiciary. While Senator Moody has not made recent public comments about TPS, she previously communicated to the coalition her thoughts on the need for a balanced immigration system that secures borders while allowing legal entry.
Advocates are alarmed by the ongoing violence in Haiti and called for an immediate stoppage of deportations to the country. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, highlighting the risks from crime, kidnapping, and limited healthcare services.
Following their news conference, advocates delivered a petition addressing TPS protections to Moody’s office. Attempts to reach the offices of Senators Moody and Scott for further comments have not received a response.
Why It Matters
This situation underscores broader concerns regarding immigration policy and humanitarian needs. The outcome of the TPS debate could significantly impact thousands of Haitian nationals and their families living in the United States, as well as the local economies that rely on their contributions.
