Washington, D.C. – 6/25/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the most recent Supreme Court decision allowing the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for the Haitian community:
“Conditions in Haiti remain extremely dangerous due to rampant gang violence, political instability, and a severe humanitarian crisis. That is why I co-led bipartisan legislation to extend TPS for Haiti, repeatedly urged the Administration to maintain these protections, worked directly with local leaders in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley, as well across the aisle with my colleagues in Congress, and fought to bring this measure to a vote in the House.
The State Department has Haiti at a Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest warning possible, due to gang activity, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and other life-threatening conditions. Just like it is not safe for Americans to go to Haiti, it is not safe to force Haitians to return at this current moment in time.
With our southern border now secure, we have the ability, and the responsibility, to pursue practical, targeted solutions that uphold the rule of law and recognize the harsh realities on the ground in Haiti.”
Congressman Lawler has consistently advocated for extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals. He co-led H.R. 1689 with Rep. Laura Gillen, urged the Administration on multiple occasions to extend TPS protections, led a bipartisan effort with local officials in support of Haitian TPS recipients, issued an open letter to the Haitian community, and voted in favor of legislation after signing the discharge petition to bring the legislation to the House floor.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
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