Rep. María Elvira Salazar Votes to Extend TPS Protections for Haitians.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) voted to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring that individuals are not returned to unsafe conditions and to protecting South Florida's workforce and economic stability.

She emphasized that the crisis in Haiti is not distant, but one that directly impacts communities like South Florida.

"Haiti is not in a place where people can safely return. Gangs control nearly all of the capital city and families are living under constant threat. Here at home in South Florida, Haitian TPS holders are part of the backbone of our workforce, especially in critical sectors like healthcare," said Rep. Salazar. "This is not theoretical for us. When people cannot safely return, Congress has a responsibility to act.Keeping TPS in place protects our communities here at home while giving the multinational force the time it needs to restore order on the ground." 

The vote comes as conditions in Haiti continue to deteriorate, with widespread violence, mass displacement, and the near collapse of public security. Even with international efforts underway, the situation remains unstable and far from safe.

Haiti continues to face a severe humanitarian and security crisis:

• The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to widespread violence.
• Armed gangs control an estimated 90 percent of Port-au-Prince.
• Roughly 6,000 people have been killed in gang violence over the past 12 months.
• More than 1.4 million people have been displaced, representing roughly 12 percent of the population.

These conditions underscore the absence of basic security and the scale of the crisis. The U.S.-backed multinational security mission remains in its early stages, with only a fraction of the planned 5,500-member force deployed so far. Full operational capacity is not expected until later this year.

Here at home, the stakes are significant. South Florida is home to the largest Haitian community in the country, with more than 100,000 Haitian TPS holders contributing to the local economy and filling critical workforce needs, particularly in healthcare and other essential sectors.

Nationwide, more than 330,000 Haitians remain at risk of deportation if TPS protections are not extended, underscoring the broader impact of this decision on communities and industries across the United States.

BACKGROUND:

Haiti was designated for TPS following a series of devastating crises, including natural disasters, political instability, and the collapse of public security. In recent years, conditions have deteriorated significantly, with widespread gang violence, mass displacement, and the near breakdown of governance.

Without an extension of TPS, hundreds of thousands of Haitian nationals, many of whom have lived and worked in the United States for years, could face deportation to conditions that remain unsafe and unstable.

Rep. Salazar has consistently advocated for extending TPS protections for individuals from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and other designated countries experiencing instability, emphasizing that returns cannot occur until conditions on the ground are safe.