SEIU National Media [email protected]
Issued April 17, 2026
SEIU’s Verrett: Forced Vote to Extend TPS for Haiti is Clear Rejection of Administration's handling of Immigration
WASHINGTON, DC – Service Employees International Union President April Verrett issued the following statement after the successful passage of H.R. 1689 in the House of Representatives:
"From Miami to Boston to New York, the passage of H.R. 1689 highlights the incredible organizing efforts of working people, including SEIU members.
We are grateful to Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley and Laura Gilllen, along with many others in Congress and the community, for their efforts in making this happen.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is all that stands between Haitians in the U.S. and violence in their homeland. It is all that keeps them at their essential jobs. Rather than protect them, the Administration is scapegoating Black and brown immigrants to distract from its own failures, such as rising grocery and gas prices.
SEIU Haitian members with TPS are essential yet often invisible workers. They serve as caregivers, and work in airports, hospitals, and various industries. They deserve dignity and protection, not policies that treat them as disposable.
We urge the Senate to take similar steps and act immediately to protect Haitians and provide stability to the communities where they live and work."
###
Updated