Florida Republican says deporting Haitians with TPS would be ‘huge mistake’

Florida Republican Voices Concern Over Deportation of Haitians Under TPS

Florida Republican says deporting Haitians - Carlos Giménez, a Republican congressman representing Florida, has taken a stand against the Trump administration's plan to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. Speaking to CBS News on Sunday, Giménez emphasized that deporting over 350,000 Haitians back to their homeland would constitute a major misstep. The decision, which follows a US Supreme Court ruling allowing the administration to terminate TPS for Haitians and Syrians, risks leaving many individuals in unstable conditions, he argued.

The Ruling and Its Implications

The US Supreme Court's recent decision cleared the path for the Trump administration to phase out TPS for Haitian migrants, a policy that has provided legal protections and work permits since 2021. The ruling, which aligns with the administration’s goal to remove beneficiaries of the program, has sparked concerns among lawmakers who see the move as potentially disruptive. Giménez, who is part of the Miami-Dade county delegation, warned that such an action would have severe consequences for those reliant on the status to maintain their livelihoods.

“Haiti is a failed state, and I think that deporting Haitians who are currently under TPS back to their country would be a significant error,” Giménez said in a statement. He highlighted the risks of sending individuals to a nation grappling with political instability and natural disasters. The congressman also called for the reinstatement of TPS for Venezuelans, citing the recent twin earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, 2024, as a justification for the measure.

“It’s Haitians who, many times, are taking care of your mom or your dad who has Alzheimer’s, taking care of family members who might be in a nursing home,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, echoing Giménez’s sentiments. “And to say we’re going to pull all those people out, it’s just not in our own self-interest.”

Giménez’s opposition to the TPS termination is rooted in his understanding of the challenges faced by Haitians in their home country. His family fled Cuba when he was seven, an experience that has shaped his perspective on immigration and displacement. Miami-Dade county, where he serves, is home to approximately 110,000 residents of Haitian descent, many of whom depend on TPS to sustain their families. The congressman’s stance reflects growing bipartisan concern about the economic and social impact of the policy shift.

Support Across Political Lines

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, another Republican, has joined Giménez in urging the administration to reconsider its approach. DeWine, who is running for re-election, pointed to the vital role Haitians play in his state’s workforce. “In Ohio, Haitians are working primarily in manufacturing, as well as in the food industry,” he noted. “They are essential to our economy, supporting families and building communities.”

The governor further argued that ending TPS for Haitian migrants would not only harm local businesses but also deprive the nation of valuable labor. “Haiti is clearly not safe,” he stated, referencing State Department travel advisories. “To remove people who are actively contributing to our society, it’s against our own interests.” DeWine’s comments underscore the broader debate over immigration policies and their effects on states with significant Haitian populations.

Similar concerns have been raised by New York Republican Mike Lawler, who represents a swing district and faces challenges in the upcoming midterm elections. Lawler warned that terminating TPS would disrupt critical sectors, particularly healthcare. “One-third of Haitian TPS holders work in healthcare,” he said. “Immediately shutting off TPS would create a crisis in hospitals, nursing homes, and within the disabilities community.”

A Bipartisan Effort to Preserve TPS

In response to the administration’s decision, lawmakers have introduced HR 1689, a bill aimed at extending TPS for Haitians until 2029. The legislation, which passed the House with a 224–204 vote, received backing from a coalition spanning both parties. Notably, South Florida representatives including María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Giménez, all Republicans, joined Democrats in supporting the measure. The bill now awaits Senate action, signaling a potential pathway for temporary relief.

Giménez has previously advocated for maintaining TPS for Haitians, stating that the policy is “not just sound policy – it’s the right thing to do.” In a statement from April, he described Haiti as “overrun by violent gangs” and stressed the importance of allowing Haitians to remain in the US. “It is neither safe nor humane to force our neighbors back into those conditions,” he said, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the issue.

The TPS extension for Haitians has become a focal point in the political discourse surrounding immigration. While the Trump administration’s stance remains firm, voices from within the Republican party, including Giménez and DeWine, demonstrate a willingness to prioritize practical outcomes over ideological rigidity. This shift may signal a broader realignment in how TPS is viewed, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by Haitian communities in both the US and their homeland.

As the debate continues, the fate of TPS for Haitians remains uncertain. However, the growing support for HR 1689 suggests that the policy may have a fighting chance. For Giménez, the issue is not just about legal status but about preserving the contributions of Haitians to American society. His comments, along with those of DeWine and Lawler, highlight the diverse perspectives within the Republican party and the potential for compromise in the face of a complex crisis.

The administration’s decision to end TPS for Haitians has sparked a wave of reactions from lawmakers and community leaders. While the Supreme Court’s ruling has given the policy a green light, the pushback from figures like Giménez underscores the deep divisions over immigration. As the Senate prepares to weigh in, the question remains: will the US continue to support those fleeing instability, or will it prioritize a stricter approach to border control?