WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republicans on Wednesday rejected an effort to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in the United States, dealing a major setback to legislation that had already received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.

The proposal would have extended Haiti’s TPS designation for three years and protected approximately 350,000 Haitians from deportation while allowing them to continue working legally in the United States.

Supporters needed at least 60 votes to move the measure forward in the Senate, but the effort failed to receive enough Republican support.

House Approved the Measure

Earlier this year, the Republican-controlled House approved the Haiti TPS extension after several Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the bill.

Advocates argued that forcing Haitians to return to a country facing widespread gang violence, political instability and a growing humanitarian crisis would place lives at risk.

They also warned that ending TPS could create serious workforce shortages in healthcare, elder care, hospitality, transportation, construction and other industries where Haitian immigrants play an important role.

Florida and Other States Could Be Heavily Affected

Florida is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the country, with an estimated 158,000 Haitian TPS recipients.

Large Haitian communities in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania could also be significantly affected.

Many TPS holders have lived in the United States for years, raised American-born children, purchased homes, started businesses and become deeply connected to their communities.

Court Provides Temporary Relief

In a separate development Wednesday, a federal appeals court refused the Trump administration’s request to immediately lift a lower-court order blocking the termination of Haiti’s TPS designation.

However, the court decision is not a permanent extension and does not replace congressional action.

Uncertainty Continues

The Senate rejection represents a major setback for Haitian families, but advocacy efforts are expected to continue through Congress and the courts.

For now, Haitian TPS holders remain protected temporarily, but their long-term status remains uncertain.