Florida Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued a strong call for Senate action following the House passage of H.R. 1689, legislation that would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“The House has done its job, and now the Senate must answer to history,” Wilson said in a statement following the vote.
Wilson, who represents one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States, warned that many of her constituents are receiving messages directing them to leave the country or face arrest, deportation, and possible long-term separation from their families.
“I represent the largest Haitian communities in this nation, and I am sounding the alarm because lives are on the line,” she said. “Right now, my constituents are receiving messages telling them to leave this country or face arrest, deportation, and permanent exile.”
Wilson pointed to the ongoing instability in Haiti, citing violence, gang control, and humanitarian concerns as reasons TPS protections are necessary.
“We know exactly what they are being sent back to: a country held together by violence, gangs controlling the streets, and women and children living under constant threat, with no guarantee of survival. And still, they are being told to go back,” she said.
The South Florida congresswoman emphasized that TPS recipients have contributed significantly to the United States.
“Let me be clear: TPS is not charity — it is earned,” Wilson said. “These individuals followed the law. They worked, paid taxes, built families, and strengthened this nation. They did everything right, and they will not be sacrificed — not on my watch.”
Wilson added that previous administrations have extended TPS during humanitarian crises and argued that the same urgency should apply now.
“H.R. 1689 is about doing what is right in the face of a humanitarian crisis. We have extended TPS before when humanity demanded it, and we did not hesitate then, so we cannot hesitate now. If it is not safe for Americans to travel to Haiti, it is unconscionable to force Haitians to return.”
She concluded by urging senators to act swiftly.
“The House has acted with urgency and moral clarity, and now the Senate stands at a crossroads, where they can choose courage or choose to turn a blind eye to the truth,” Wilson said. “I am demanding action: pass H.R. 1689, extend TPS, protect these families, and save lives. And I will not stop fighting until this injustice is ended.”
