Rescinding TPS Disregards Humanitarian Concerns, Endangers People with Legal Protections
Refugee Congress condemns the Trump administration’s actions this month terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Venezuelans. These efforts to target communities that have arrived through legal pathways put hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in dangerous and uncertain circumstances.
Haiti and Venezuela remain in dire humanitarian crises, as political oppression, insecurity, and violence continue to force people to flee. TPS offered a lifeline and pathway for people seeking safety in the U.S., and has allowed these communities the opportunity to work and contribute to the American cities that welcomed them. Both Haiti and Venezuela were granted extensions by the Biden administration after lawful reviews of country conditions deemed both countries remain unsafe for return. To turn away our most vulnerable neighbors is a violation of the U.S.’ moral and legal obligations.
By terminating TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans, the Trump administration effectively strips legal protections and work authorizations of hundreds of thousands of people who have built their lives in the U.S. Allowing protections to expire negatively impacts local communities, economies, and businesses that have benefited from their Haitian and Venezuelan neighbors and workers. Additionally, this action will separate mixed-status families of U.S. citizens and children.
Refugee Congress is firmly committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all forcibly displaced people. As an organization built and led by forcibly displaced people, we know what it looks like to escape war, political violence, persecution, and instability in our home countries. We have also been welcomed to the U.S. through various legal pathways and have established ourselves as engaged members of our communities.
Rescission of TPS betrays American values of justice, welcome, and protecting those facing oppression. We strongly urge the Trump administration and Congress to immediately reverse course and reinstate TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans, ensure fair and efficient asylum processes, and to prioritize human rights protections.
"The decision to end TPS for Venezuelans is not just inhumane and short-sighted—it's a moral failure that betrays our nation's values. Forcing 600,000 people to return to a country still facing devastating humanitarian challenges is unconscionable. Congress must act decisively to block this cruel policy, and the President must recognize that this decision recklessly endangers lives and destroys families who have become vital members of our communities. This is not a matter of politics—it's a matter of human lives and America's fundamental commitment to protecting those fleeing persecution and crisis,” said Myra Dahgaypaw, Delegate for Virginia.
"Rescinding Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans disregards the safety of over 600,000 people seeking refuge. Protection should not be a temporary privilege but a humanitarian responsibility,” said Sara Deewa, Delegate for New Mexico.
“TPS is a legal and lifesaving pathway for people desperately seeking safety. Terminating protections for our Venezuelan and Haitian neighbors, especially at a time when these countries are still experiencing political upheaval, violence, and insecurity, is recklessly irresponsible and deeply inhumane,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director. “Refugee Congress stands firmly for the protection of all forcibly displaced people. We strongly urge the administration to immediately reverse this harmful decision and reinstate, extend, and redesignate TPS. Turning our backs on people in need is not leadership — it is a failure of our duty to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”
