Haitian TPS extension likely DOA when it hits Senate
A controversial House vote this week would extend the temporary protected status of hundreds of thousands of Haitian nationals, but the extension is unlikely to survive the U.S. Senate
by Summer Lane | April 17, 2026
In direct defiance of the Trump administration, 10 House Republicans this week joined Democrats to pass an extension on the temporary protected status (TPS) of 350,000 Haitian nationals living in the United States, but the legislation is likely short-lived.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) responded to the legislation headed his way on Thursday, noting, “An embarrassing betrayal of Americans who begged Congress to stop prioritizing foreign nationals over our own people. Fortunately, it won’t get past the Senate.”
Among the 10 Republicans who voted for extending TPS for Haitians were Reps. Mike Turner (Ohio), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (Penn.). Surprisingly, former Republican (now Independent) Kevin Kiley (Calif.) also voted for the extension, bringing the vote break, technically, up to 11.
Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.), who is retiring at the end of his current term, defended his support of the extension. He wrote on X, “Removing TPS status for Haitians living in the United States would cost 350,000 workers their ability to work at a time when we’re already facing serious workforce shortages…I don’t see the goodness of deporting people who are here legally, working, and contributing to our country.”
Other Republicans in Congress have been firm about their opposition to continued TPS for Haitian nationals.
“Haitians first received TPS because of an earthquake. That was over 15 years ago. America is not their permanent motel,” said Trump-endorsed Rep. Brandon Gill (Texas).
Earlier this year, the Trump administration was blocked by a federal judge from ending TPS for Haitians in the country. The court paused the termination of the program while the lawsuit proceeds, according to Fox News.
However, the TPS extension vote seems to be a largely symbolic move from the House, as the Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of the Trump administration’s decision to halt the program later this month, according to Bill Melugin’s reporting.
Additionally, if such an extension were to pass in the U.S. Senate, President Trump would almost certainly veto the legislation.
Photo: Adobe Stock
