Labor, Business, Faith, and County Leaders Unite to Call for Extension of Haitian TPS
MIAMI, FL — As the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals approaches, Miami-Dade County leaders joined labor, business, healthcare, and faith organizations to warn of the devastating consequences that ending the program would have on working families and South Florida's economy.
The press conference, led by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, brought together community leaders to call for an immediate extension of TPS protections for Haitian nationals, many of whom have lived, worked, paid taxes, and contributed to South Florida for more than a decade.
The end of TPS would strip immigration protections from an estimated 350,000 Haitian nationals nationwide, including tens of thousands of Miami-Dade County residents. Community leaders emphasized that the consequences would extend far beyond immigrant families, disrupting healthcare, hospitality, construction, public services, and other industries that rely on Haitian workers.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava described the week leading up to the federal deadline as critical for thousands of families and for Miami-Dade County's workforce.
"This week is the critical week for our future," Levine Cava said.
The Mayor noted that dozens of Miami-Dade County employees could lose their jobs if they are no longer legally authorized to work and said her administration has urged Florida's U.S. Senators to support a three-year extension of TPS.
Commissioner Marleine Bastien, a longtime advocate for the Haitian community, stressed that the issue affects every resident of South Florida.
"It is an economic issue that affects every American family," Bastien said.
Representing South Florida's labor movement, Jeffrey Mitchell, President of the South Florida AFL-CIO, joined the call for Congress and the Administration to protect workers whose labor is essential to the region's economy. Mitchell emphasized that Haitian TPS holders are nurses, healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, public employees, construction workers, educators, and union members who have helped build stronger communities throughout South Florida.
Labor leaders warned that ending TPS would create unnecessary workforce shortages while placing thousands of hardworking families at risk of losing their livelihoods.
Martha Baker of SEIU Local 1991 called on the community to stand together in support of Haitian workers and their families.
"This is a disgusting moment. We must all stand together," Baker said.
Healthcare advocates pointed to data showing that approximately 113,000 Haitian TPS holders work in Florida's healthcare sector, representing more than 70 percent of the state's Haitian TPS population. Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities across Florida could face severe staffing shortages if these workers lose their employment authorization.
The business community echoed those concerns.
Candice Mondesir, Executive Director of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, warned that allowing TPS to expire would have devastating economic consequences for businesses, homeowners, and local communities.
"This decision will ruin entire ecosystems in our community here in Florida and across the United States," Mondesir said.
Faith leaders also stood in solidarity with Haitian families. Father Reginald Jean-Mary of Notre Dame D'Haiti Catholic Church joined the coalition of elected officials, labor leaders, and business representatives to advocate for compassion and stability for families facing an uncertain future.
Community leaders noted that approximately 63,000 Haitian TPS holders are homeowners, while thousands more own or operate small businesses that contribute to South Florida's economy. Ending TPS would not only separate families from their livelihoods but also create ripple effects throughout neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, and local businesses.
The South Florida AFL-CIO stands with our affiliates, community partners, and Haitian workers in urging federal leaders to extend Temporary Protected Status. Working people who have spent years strengthening our communities deserve the opportunity to continue living and working with dignity.
