Congressman Mike Lawler of New York’s 17th District has signed Discharge Petition No. 15 to force a vote on H.R. 1689, a bipartisan bill that would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to continue Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation. The legislation, introduced last year by Lawler and Representative Laura Gillen of New York’s 4th District, has not yet been brought before the House for consideration.
Lawler explained his decision in a statement: “The situation in Haiti remains dire. Rampant gang violence, political instability, and a worsening humanitarian crisis make it clear that conditions on the ground have not improved. There is no doubt that sending individuals back into that environment is dangerous.
For more than a year, my bill to extend TPS for Haiti has sat without a vote in the House of Representatives. That’s unacceptable. Today, I signed the discharge petition to force the House to take up the bill and allow Members to vote.”
Since an announcement from the administration last year regarding TPS for Haiti, Lawler has engaged with local residents, faith leaders, business owners, and community groups across the Hudson Valley to discuss how changes could affect families and the local economy. He has also maintained communication with administration officials about extending TPS for Haiti and ensuring clarity for those affected.
Lawler has assisted Haitian families and their employers—many in healthcare and nonprofit sectors—in seeking asylum or other legal immigration pathways as TPS expiration approaches.
Last year, he led Rockland County officials in sending a letter to President Trump urging an extension of TPS for Haiti and has continued advocacy efforts through additional correspondence with both President Trump and Secretary Noem.
He has called on federal agencies such as the State Department to address ongoing security concerns in Haiti, support economic development initiatives, and work with regional partners while continuing his advocacy for Haitian-American families.
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City—including Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties—and was recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members as well as its most effective freshman lawmaker during the 118th Congress.
