LEADER JEFFRIES CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF TPS FOR HAITIAN AMERICANS
Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke at a press conference to introduce her Haitian Women and Girls Peace and Security Resolution and press the Trump administration for an extension of TPS for Haitian Americans.
LEADER JEFFRIES: As Members of the New York delegation, as Members of the Florida delegation, we understand how important the Haitian American community has been to vitality and prosperity in our states and, of course, we also understand that many Haitians who have been here for years pursuant to TPS have been contributing to communities all across the country in ways that have improved the livelihood of those communities.
I stand in strong support of Congresswoman Clarke's resolution, particularly as it relates to the protection of women, children, girls and families. The situation in Haiti right now is not conducive to women or girls, children or families returning to a safe environment. There's still a significant amount of progress that needs to be made with respect to an environment that has far too much gang violence, sexual violence and gender violence. And it is inhumane to send hundreds of thousands of people back to an environment that the Trump administration knows objectively places them at risk. And so, I joined the call for the extension of TPS beyond the expiration that is pending in early February and also support the effort to come to a comprehensive solution. Congress should act in connection with the broken immigration system that we have and recognize the value of hardworking immigrants, which has always been part of the great American journey.
The Leader's full remarks at the press conference can be watched here.