Lawler, in a post on X, maintained that he supported President Donald Trump's right to end TPS, but he disagreed with the decision to end it for Haitians at this time."While I have never disputed the ability of the President to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS), I strongly disagree with ending Haitian TPS at this time.First, the situation on the ground in Haiti is a humanitarian and political disaster and continues to warrant an extension," Lawler wrote.Lawler cited the State Department's decision to issue a level 4 travel advisory to Americans, warning them to evacuate Haiti and not travel to the Caribbean island due to heightened gang activity.Members of the General Security Unit of the National Palace set up a security perimeter around one of three downtown stations after police fought off a gang attack in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 9, 2024.
(Odelyn Joseph/AP Photo)"The gangs are in charge of the country, engaged in gun and drug trafficking, and kidnapping innocent Haitians," Lawler continued.Armed gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier and his men are seen in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 5, 2024.(Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images)Lawler then pointed to the large number of Haitians on TPS working in the U.S.
healthcare system, arguing that revoking the status would create a healthcare "crisis.""Of the 350,000+ lawful Haitian TPS holders, roughly 1/3rd work in our healthcare system.Immediately shutting off TPS will create a crisis in our hospitals, nursing homes, and in the I/DD community," he said.TRUMP ADMIN TURNS TABLES ON POLICY 'EXPLOITED' BY BIDEN DHS TO SHIELD MORE HAITIANS FROM DEPORTATIONSLawler outlined a request to the Trump administration to extend Haitian TPS.Rep.
Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., leaves the U.S.Capitol after the last vote of the week on Jan.
9, 2026.(Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)"I’m asking the administration to allow for an orderly process by which Haitian TPS holders can maintain their work authorization ...