Caribbean and immigrant advocacy groups are welcoming the US House of Representatives’ passage of legislation aimed at extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals, calling it a significant step toward shielding hundreds of thousands from deportation.
The bill, introduced by Democratic Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, passed the House with a 224 to 204 vote and would protect more than 300,000 Haitians currently living in the United States under TPS provisions.
Pressley, who represents Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District and co-chairs the House Haiti Caucus, described the outcome as the result of sustained advocacy efforts over several months.
“This win marks an essential step forward in the fight to defend our Haitian neighbours from deportation,” she said, noting that the measure received support from both Democrats and Republicans.
She said the initiative was driven by a wide coalition that included affected families, labour unions, civil rights organisations and business groups.
“We organised, held hearings, and built a movement powered by impacted families and community advocates,” Pressley said. “Today, we are closer than ever to protecting our Haitian community and their many contributions.”
Pressley also highlighted the procedural significance of the vote, noting that her discharge petition secured the required 218 signatures, a relatively rare occurrence in recent legislative history.
Labour leaders also praised the decision. Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ SEIU, said the measure was important for protecting Haitian workers who play essential roles across sectors such as building services and transportation.
“Protecting their basic rights helps protect us all,” he said.
Advocacy groups, including the Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), said the passage reflects sustained grassroots mobilisation but warned that the process is not yet complete.
Executive Director Guerline Jozef said the vote demonstrates the impact of collective action.
“This is what people-powered advocacy looks like,” she said. “While this is not the finish line, it is a powerful step forward.”
She urged continued bipartisan cooperation as the legislation moves to the US Senate, stressing the urgency of the situation in Haiti.
“Without TPS protections, hundreds of thousands of Haitian families face the risk of deportation to a country experiencing profound instability, violence and humanitarian crisis,” she said.
Caribbean-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, co-chair of the Haiti Caucus, also welcomed the vote, saying it moves the process closer to securing protections for Haitian nationals.
“This brings us closer than ever to extending TPS for Haitian nationals,” she said, adding that the legislation would help “save lives and keep families together.”
Temporary Protected Status allows nationals from countries facing conflict, disaster, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work legally in the United States.
The bill now advances to the Senate, where supporters are urging swift approval to extend protections for Haitian migrants currently covered under the programme.
