Democratic Representative Laura Gillen and Republican Representative Mike Lawler are joining forces to urge President Trump to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, citing dangerous conditions in their home country as the protection deadline approaches.

Congressional Opposition Grows

Representative Gillen, whose Long Island district includes many Haitian residents, argues that forcing deportations would endanger lives given Haiti’s current instability. The Democrat emphasized that beneficiaries have undergone thorough background checks and contribute to their communities through taxes and employment. Republican Representative Lawler broke with his party’s position, specifically opposing the forced return of law-abiding Haitians to what he described as unsafe conditions in their homeland.

The Temporary Protected Status program has shielded Haitians from deportation since 2010, following the catastrophic earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation. Federal authorities have repeatedly extended these protections due to ongoing political chaos and widespread gang violence that continues to plague Haiti today.

Community Voices Express Fear

Residents are speaking out about the potential consequences of ending the program. Claire Leon, an operating room technician in Valley Stream, described the fear gripping her community as families face possible separation and return to dangerous conditions. Religious leaders like Reverend Edy Bichotte report that gang occupation of homes and neighborhoods makes safe return impossible for many families. The reverend’s congregation at Bethany French Baptist Church includes many who would be directly affected by any policy changes.

Supreme Court, here we come.

This is lawless activism that we will be vindicated on.

Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto amnesty program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it… https://t.co/wejySOSaXJ

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) February 3, 2026

Administration Position Unchanged

The Trump administration maintains that conditions in Haiti have improved sufficiently to allow safe returns, justifying the decision not to extend Temporary Protected Status beyond the current deadline. However, critics point to ongoing reports of gang violence, political instability, and economic collapse as evidence that the country remains unsafe for returning residents. The bipartisan opposition suggests growing congressional concern about the humanitarian implications of ending protections for thousands of established community members who have built lives across American communities, particularly in areas like Long Island, where they represent significant portions of the local workforce.