AILA Welcomes Bipartisan Effort to Protect Haitian Nationals from Deportation

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomed the work of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that successfully advanced a discharge petition and forced a House vote in favor of legislation that would extend vital legal protection for 350,000 Haitian nationals who are at risk of being returned to dangerous conditions. The bill, H.R. 1689 (Gillen, NY), designates Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals and would ensure they are not returned while dangerous conditions continue in Haiti. The discharge petition compelling a vote on H.R. 1689 was signed by members on both sides of the aisle.

AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson stated: "This bipartisan action reflects the very best of what Congress can do, which is to put aside politics and come together to protect vulnerable people from being sent back to life-threatening conditions. Haiti continues to face extraordinary challenges, and deporting their nationals would be both inhumane and contrary to our nation's values. Many Haitian TPS-holders have stepped into hard-to-fill roles within vital industries, such as health care, hospitality, construction, and food processing. If this bill passes the Senate, Haitians can breathe a sigh of relief until 2029. AILA thanks all House members who supported the measure, especially those GOP members who called for a vote on the bill despite their leadership's opposition, including Reps. Don Bacon (NE), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Carlos Gimenez (FL), Mike Lawler (NY), Nicole Malliotakis (NY) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL), plus Kevin Kiley (I-CA). It is noteworthy that this is the first successful immigration-focused discharge petition, and we hope is a harbinger of more sensible measures to come."

Mr. Johnson also noted that hundreds of AILA members from across the country came to Washington, D.C. this week to urge Congress to continue protections for Haitians as part of the association's annual National Day of Action: "Our members met with lawmakers this week and urged them to designate TPS for Haitian nationals so we are thrilled by the House vote for passage. We will continue to underscore the urgent need for policies that reflect compassion, fairness, and reality in our immigration system."