Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar voted on Apr. 16 to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, reaffirming her commitment to preventing individuals from being returned to unsafe conditions and supporting South Florida’s workforce and economic stability.
Salazar said the crisis in Haiti directly affects communities in South Florida, noting the importance of TPS holders in sectors such as healthcare. “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,” Salazar said. “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 amid worsening conditions in Haiti, with widespread violence and displacement continuing despite international intervention efforts. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to ongoing violence, with armed gangs controlling an estimated 90 percent of Port-au-Prince and approximately 6,000 deaths reported from gang violence over the past year. More than 1.4 million people have been displaced within Haiti.
The U.S.-backed multinational security mission remains only partially deployed; full operational capacity is expected later this year.
South Florida hosts more than 100,000 Haitian TPS holders who contribute significantly to essential industries locally—particularly healthcare—and nationwide more than 330,000 Haitians could face deportation if protections are not extended.
Haiti was initially designated for TPS following multiple crises including natural disasters and political instability that led to public security breakdowns. Without continued protection status, many long-term residents risk returning to dangerous conditions.
Salazar has consistently supported extending TPS protections for individuals from countries experiencing instability such as Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
