Spring Valley community leaders, Rep. Lawler, oppose TPS revocation and Haiti travel ban
The Village of Spring Valley is said to have of the largest Haitian communities outside of the Caribbean country itself.
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Rep. Mike Lawler, alongside many of the leaders in the Spring Valley community, voiced their opposition Thursday afternoon to temporary protection status, also known as TPS, being revoked for Haitian refugees, as well as Haiti being on the travel ban list.
The Village of Spring Valley is said to have of the largest Haitian communities outside of the Caribbean country itself.
The group of dozens made their calls outside the First Timothy Christian Church off North Main Street.
“We need an immigration bill, solution that is commensurate with the great history of this nation," said the Church's Pastor Nathaniel Demosthene. "What we did with Ellis Island is what we need to do again.”
Demosthene says his father was one of the first people to help establish the church years ago which has since become a pillar to many in the local Haitian community.
He explained that if his father had been deported because of his immigration status, the church would not be what it is today.
Rep. Lawler opposes the revocation of TPS as well as Haiti being on the federal government's travel ban list.
“The Haitian population that is here on TPS has come here in search of safety, and search of security, in search of opportunity," said Lawler.
With Haiti in turmoil in recent years, Lawler believes one solution would be to have U.S. leadership on the ground there.
And with the clock ticking on TPS for Haitian immigrants ahead of the Sept. 2 deadline, he says they should apply for asylum and another other legal means necessary.
The community also thanked the congressman for his help in getting 20-year-old Alan Junior Pierre released from ICE custody after a monthlong legal battle.
Many voiced their appreciation for the Republican lawmaker helping everyone regardless of political affiliation.
