Re: Support for H.R. 1689, the Haiti TPS Extension Act
Dear Leaders Thune and Schumer:
With the impending expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) work authorization for Haitian nationals on July 10, 2026, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) urges the Senate to take up and pass H.R. 1689, the Haiti TPS Extension Act. Congress can, and should, exercise its plenary authority over immigration policy to prevent significant disruption to America's workforce and avoid an unnecessary humanitarian crisis. The approaching loss of work authorization for hundreds of thousands of Haitian nationals creates precisely the type of situation that calls for congressional action.
The Chamber recognizes that TPS, as the term suggests, provides temporary protection and was never intended to serve as workforce policy. Nevertheless, approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals currently live and work lawfully in the United States under TPS, contributing to communities and filling critical positions throughout the American economy. At the same time, current conditions in Haiti, including widespread violence, gang control, governmental dysfunction, and severe infrastructure limitations, make safe and orderly large-scale repatriation unrealistic. Haiti is simply not positioned to receive large numbers of returning nationals.
As a result, the expiration of TPS work authorization would not necessarily lead to the departure of 350,000 Haitian nationals from the United States. Instead, many individuals who have resided here lawfully for years could remain in their communities but suddenly be unable to work lawfully. That outcome would create new burdens for local communities while depriving employers of experienced and reliable workers.
The economic consequences would be particularly severe in industries already facing chronic labor shortages. Haitian TPS beneficiaries are employed throughout the healthcare, long-term care, hospitality, construction, transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors. The impact would be especially acute in healthcare and aging-services occupations, where many serve as caregivers, nursing home staff, home health aides, and other essential workers supporting some of the nation's most vulnerable populations. The sudden loss of these workers would create immediate operational challenges for employers and could adversely affect the delivery of care and other essential services.
A temporary congressional extension of TPS protections and work authorization would provide a practical bridge while conditions in Haiti continue to prevent safe and orderly repatriation. The Chamber respectfully urges the Senate to take up and pass H.R. 1689, which offers the Senate an immediate opportunity to provide that bridge, preserve workforce stability, and avoid unnecessary disruption for employers and communities.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
