The following is a statement from Douglas Rivlin, Director of Communication for America’s Voice, in response to the House’s passage of the TPS Venezuela Act of 2019, H.R. 549, that will grant protections to Venezuelans and American families as the country continues to descend into further chaos:
Passing the TPS Venezuela Act of 2019 is a leap forward in giving protections to asylees and those seeking refuge from violence, extreme economic hardship, and political corruption. We applaud the House of Representatives, lead by Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), for putting partisan differences aside to protect vulnerable immigrants and their families.
Venezuela is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in the world. While it should not have been this difficult for American leaders to realize the extent of this crisis, hopefully its passage is a signal to the Senate to take responsibility and pass TPS for Venezuelans as well. We commend the House for uniting to act on this issue, now it’s time for the Senate to realize the importance of this crisis and overcome partisan antics to protect innocent people whose lives are at risk.
This is a time for celebration, but also a realization of hope that Congress can work together and take united action in the best interest for human lives across the world.
Restoring TPS and DACA protections – stripped by President Trump over the past two years for hundreds of thousands of people living here with deep roots in the U.S. – should also be a priority for the Senate. The House passed the Dream and Promise Act, yet the Republican-controlled Senate has not taken it up.
