NATIONWIDE – Through a series of demonstrations and through the clear voices of advocates, the message is clear: Haitian-Americans are calling for a bipartisan compromise and urging lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to prioritize a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers and TPS holders alike.
Relevant excerpted coverage follows:
Miami Herald (LTE): We ask Sen. Rubio to stand with Haitians, Central Americans in fight for a Permanent Solution for TPS Holders By Marleine Bastien
Therefore the most viable solution moving forward is strong legislation that protects Christina’s family. We ask for the support from our congressional delegation. Based on the few public details of the bipartisan agreement that six senators (three Democrats and three Republicans) presented to Trump, we know there is a legislative solution for 300,000 TPS holders, including those from Haiti and El Salvador. But we need the full and unconditional support of every single one of our legislators in Florida.
Conspicuously absent is Sen. Marco Rubio. We respectfully ask him to help advance the bipartisan agreement. His voice would give legislation a much-needed shot in the arm. Aside from helping prevent a local tragedy for tens of thousands of children, he would also contribute to the region’s stability. Rubio has made a name for himself in the foreign policy arena, and this issue spans both his home state and his regional area of expertise.
New York Times: ‘Trump’s Racism Is a Rallying Cry for Us’: Miami Haitians See Opportunity in an Insult By Simon Romero
Still, the presidential insult is also serving among Haitians here as a reminder of their capacity to overcome such hurdles. And their Democratic-leaning leaders are now vowing to use the episode to bolster citizenship drives and turnout in a state where the outcome of presidential elections can turn on a handful of votes.
NBC 6 Miami: South Florida’s Haitian Community Seeks Citizenship Amid Uncertainty By Amanda Plasencia and Andrew V. Pestano
The Haitian Women of Miami – officially Fanm Ayisyen nan Miyami, or FANM – advocacy group has increased pressure on members of U.S. Congress to negotiate on immigration legislation that would allow Haitians living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status to work toward naturalization.
President Donald Trump’s administration in November announced that TPS would no longer apply to Haiti, which affects about 60,000 Haitians.
“We are asking Congress to act. The time is now because tomorrow there will be no time,” FANM Executive Director Marleine Bastien said. “It is time for you to show that you are with us. And, I repeat, the only way you can show that you are with us is through your vote.”
CBS Miami: Large Protest Takes Place In Downtown Miami Over Immigration
Miami residents turned out to let their voices heard.
“This country has been built on backs of immigrants and the way that they are treated, DACA recipients and TPS recipients and dividing family, is a crime,” said Imara Rojes.
Elena Munious said we were all immigrants at one point and everyone should have the same opportunity.
Approximately 800,000 young immigrants were brought to the United States as children, known as Dreamers.
