South Florida Democrats Seek Help for Haiti

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) released the following statement after convening today’s meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and South Florida lawmakers concerning granting Temporary Protected Status to Haitians residing in the United States:

“Today’s meeting with Secretary Napolitano and members of South Florida’s congressional delegation, as well as my telephone conversation with the Secretary last week, was productive.

“For eight years congressional leaders who strongly advocated on behalf of Haiti and Haitians were at best, given empty lip service and at worst, ignored. Our repeated requests for meetings were denied and our letters of appeal were left unanswered. There were no glimmers of hope in this ongoing battle we lawmakers and the American people have waged demanding that our government grant Haitians temporary protected status.

“In less than two months since becoming Secretary of Homeland Security, former Governor Janet Napolitano has responded to our urgent calls to conscience swiftly and compassionately. This administration is hearing loudly and clearly the message on TPS that I and so many of my congressional colleagues are raising.

“Our request of the Obama Administration is simple, straightforward and bipartisan: Grant Haitians Temporary Protected Status.”