Rep. Meeks, Faith Leaders, Local Elected Officials, Labor and Community Organizations Fight for Haitian TPS Extension

Rep. Meeks, Faith Leaders, Local Elected Officials, Labor and Community Organizations Fight for Haitian TPS Extension

Queens, NY- U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and a broad coalition of faith leaders, local elected officials, labor organizations, and Haitian community advocates hosted a press conference calling on the U.S. Senate to pass legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians through January 29, 2029. This press conference comes shortly after a federal appeals court temporarily blocked the revocation of TPS for Haitians, extending protections and work authorizations until July 27, 2026.

Despite the clear and present dangers to those living in Haiti, the Supreme Court ruled in the Trump Administration's favor, allowing them to terminate TPS for over 330,000 Haitians in the United States. Violent crime and kidnapping are rampant, armed groups terrorize entire communities and hospitals lack basic resources. Recognizing these dangerous conditions, the U.S. State Department continues to maintain its highest travel advisory for Haiti - Level 4 "Do Not Travel." TPS was created for moments exactly like this - when conditions in a country make a safe return impossible.

Image

"For generations, Haitian immigrants helped write New York's story and built thriving communities across Queens," said Congressman Gregory Meeks. "They are the parents of over 50,000 U.S. children nationwide, and community members who contribute over $1 billion to the New York City economy each year. Yet the Trump Administration chose to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians-even as Haiti remains consumed by gang violence, displacement, hunger, and political collapse. That is why I voted to pass legislation to extend TPS for Haiti and continue to call on the U.S. Senate to do the same. Our fight isn't over yet."

Congressman Meeks and House Democrats successfully forced a vote on legislation extending TPS for Haiti for three years. On April 16, 2026, the measure passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 224 to 204, with total Democratic support and 10 Republicans breaking away from their party. The measure now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate. Constituents of New York's 5th Congressional District in need of assistance with federal casework may contact Congressman Meeks' Jamaica District Office at (718) 725-6000.