House Republicans Collaborate with Democrats to Advance TPS for Haitians

A recent vote in the House saw six Republican representatives join Democrats to advance a bill granting Temporary Protected Status to Haitians for three more years. This move has sparked criticism from conservative lawmakers who view TPS as a pathway to permanent residency. The bill, introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, aims to protect Haitians from deportation amid ongoing violence in their home country. As the final vote approaches, the legislation faces challenges in the Senate and potential veto from President Trump, reflecting the ongoing divide within the GOP on immigration issues.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 04:58 IST

House Vote on Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

On Tuesday, a coalition of six Republican representatives joined forces with Democrats to push forward a bill aimed at granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians residing in the United States for an additional three years. The procedural vote on the legislation, introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, concluded with a tally of 219 in favor and 209 against. The bill is set for a final vote in the House on Wednesday.

The Republicans who supported the advancement of the bill include:

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska)

Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Florida)

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida)

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania)

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-New York)

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York)

Additionally, Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley from California, who typically aligns with Republicans, also voted in favor of the motion. This legislation aims to prolong TPS protections for Haitians currently in the U.S., providing them with a safeguard against deportation amid the ongoing turmoil and violence in Haiti. TPS permits eligible individuals to reside and work legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis.

The vote sparked immediate backlash from conservative lawmakers and immigration hardliners, who argue that TPS for Haiti is a program that tends to extend indefinitely, often resulting in permanent residency. Many Republicans campaigned on a platform of stringent border control and mass deportations, making the defections on Tuesday particularly significant.

This is not the first instance of these lawmakers diverging from their party's stance on immigration matters. Several represent districts with large immigrant populations or have historically adopted more moderate views on the issue. The final vote in the House is anticipated on Wednesday. However, even if the bill secures passage in the House, it faces considerable challenges in the Senate and is likely to be vetoed by President Trump.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has swiftly implemented measures to tighten immigration enforcement, including attempts to terminate or limit TPS programs for various countries. The six Republican votes underscore the ongoing rift within the GOP between hardline conservatives and their more moderate counterparts regarding immigration policy.