Florida senate candidate steps up to defend immigrants

Florida U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon is calling on the state’s two Republican senators to take action to protect Haitian immigrants who have lost Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.

Nixon, a Democrat from Jacksonville, called on Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody to push the U.S. Senate to approve S. 4814, legislation that would restore TPS protections for Haitians through 2029.

The issue affects Florida in particular. About 158,000 Haitians in Florida were among those who lost TPS protections, according to WLRN. Many have established families, jobs and businesses in the state.

The Trump administration ended TPS for roughly 350,000 Haitians nationwide after arguing that the temporary immigration program should not continue indefinitely. The administration has since begun deporting Haitian immigrants following a legal battle over the termination.

Supporters of extending TPS argue that conditions in Haiti remain too dangerous for large-scale returns because of gang violence, political instability and a continuing humanitarian crisis.

Nixon says Florida’s senators should use their influence in Washington to move the legislation forward.

Scott and Moody have both previously expressed concern about the situation facing Haitian immigrants, but neither has announced support for S. 4814.

The legislation remains stalled in the U.S. Senate, leaving the future of thousands of Haitian families in Florida uncertain.