Skip to main content

Diaz-Balarts Express Support for Haitian Nationals Sponsor Legislation for Temporary Protected Status

July 17, 2009

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, DC-Today Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21) co-sponsored a resolution supporting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian Nationals currently living in the U.S. H.Con.Res.144 was introduced by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings of Florida.

“The people of Haiti are still coping with the aftermath of the 2008 Hurricane season, which devastated much of the country,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. “I will continue to support TPS for Haitians because now more than ever it is key to bringing about much-needed stability in that country.”

“I visited Haiti last month, and my visit reinforced my belief that TPS for Haiti is well overdue,” said Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart. “Again, I call on the Obama administration to finally grant TPS for Haitians. The Obama administration needs to stop dragging its feet on this important issue.”

The Diaz-Balarts have been long time supporters of the people of Haiti and the Haitian community in the U.S. They have continuously requested that TPS be granted to Haitian nationals living in the U.S., especially in the wake of the destruction caused by the 2008 hurricane season. In June, the Diaz-Balarts took part in a bipartisan Congressional Delegation visit to Haiti with Reps. Kendrick B. Meek, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. It was the first time that all five Members of the South Florida Congressional Delegation traveled jointly on a CODEL.