Press Releases

Pearl River, N.Y. – 7/10/26…  Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced guidance extending the validity of employment authorization documents for eligible Haitian TPS beneficiaries. Instead of expiring today, documents will remain valid until July 24, 2026. 

This decision comes after Rep. Lawler advocated for an extension directly with the Trump Administration,  highlighting the importance of an orderly transition for Haitians on TPS, many of whom serve as essential healthcare workers and other critical members of the workforce in New York’s 17th Congressional District.

“Following my conversations with President Trump and Secretary Mullin, I am grateful they took this important step to temporarily extend work authorizations for Haitian beneficiaries.

This extension provides more time for Haitian TPS holders to continue serving their communities and supporting their families, while figuring out their next steps, whether that includes pursuing additional work authorizations, green cards, or otherwise. It reflects the practical, commonsense approach I have been advocating for, one that recognizes the President’s ability to terminate TPS while supporting the folks who want to stay in the U.S. legally. 

I will continue working with the Administration to ensure any future transition is orderly and does not unnecessarily disrupt our communities or healthcare system,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

Securing an extension of Haiti TPS has been one of Rep. Lawler’s top legislative and constituent priorities. During his time in Congress, he has consistently worked across the aisle and directly with the Administration to ensure an orderly path forward for Haitian families, healthcare workers, employers, and communities. 

His efforts have included co-leading H.R. 1689 to extend Haiti TPS, repeatedly urging President Trump to extend the designation through letters and direct conversations, leading a bipartisan coalition of elected officials and community leaders in support of an extension, issuing multiple public statements and an open letter to the Haitian community, signing a discharge petition to force consideration of H.R. 1689, and ultimately voting for the legislation when it passed the House. Most recently, he urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to immediately bring H.R. 1689 to the Senate floor following the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Administration to terminate this designation.

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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