On the recordNovember 6, 2017
The lives of over 300,000 legal immigrants are at stake. Central Americans and Haitians, many of whom are my constituents, could be facing deportation if their temporary protected status, known as TPS, were to end. This vital program, signed into law by President George Herbert Walker Bush, has allowed individuals fleeing instability and chaos in their home countries to legally live and work here in the United States. Reports indicate that the administration is considering eliminating TPS for these populations, a decision that will have negative humanitarian, economic, and national security concerns, and that could undermine U.S. investment in the region. Mr. Speaker, as a longtime supporter of TPS, I urge the administration to continue to extend this program and provide a safe haven for Central Americans and Haitians unable to securely return to their home countries. My heart aches at the thought of massive deportations of good, hardworking people from my hometown. Mr. Speaker, TPS beneficiaries are important and integral members of our community, and it would be a mistake to turn our backs on them. ____________________
