Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) expressed his opposition to the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian asylum-seekers on Thursday. His comments followed a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the administration's authority to terminate TPS for Haitian and Syrian migrants, dismissing claims of racial prejudice in the decision.
Lawler stated on social media that while he acknowledges the President's power to end TPS, he disagrees with the decision at this time. He cited ongoing humanitarian and political crises in Haiti, which he believes justify the continuation of TPS. The State Department has advised Americans to evacuate Haiti due to escalating gang violence and kidnappings.
He highlighted that many Haitian TPS holders work in the healthcare sector and argued that revoking their status could lead to staffing shortages in hospitals and nursing homes. Lawler called on the administration to implement a process allowing TPS holders to maintain their work authorization while their immigration cases are processed over the next six months if the TPS revocation proceeds.
Lawler's stance reflects his centrist approach, often diverging from the positions of House GOP leadership. As he prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, he aims to appeal to undecided and independent voters in New York's 17th Congressional District, a competitive seat. His opponent, Democratic challenger Cait Conley, has faced scrutiny over her connections to tech companies working with the Department of Homeland Security, which may influence voter support in the district.