Spokane: Mayor Brown Calls on Congress to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Community Members
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~ Spokane Mayor Calls on Congress to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Nationals

As the February 3 deadline approaches, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown is urging Congress to take immediate action to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals. This call comes as approximately 500 individuals from Haiti currently reside and work in the Spokane community.

According to Erin Hut, Communications Director for the city of Spokane, TPS is a government protection that allows non-citizens to live and work in the United States if their home country is deemed unsafe due to circumstances such as armed violence or natural disasters.

In a statement, Mayor Brown emphasized the importance of TPS as a lifeline for those escaping humanitarian crises. She stated, "Temporary Protected Status is more than just a policy. It is a lifeline to people escaping humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and political instability."

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Haitians first came to Spokane after the devastating earthquake in 2010 and also to escape political violence. Mayor Brown expressed concern that revoking their protected status would create unnecessary hardship for both them and the entire community.

Mayor Brown also highlighted the positive impact that Haitian families have had on Spokane. She stated, "As Mayor, I see firsthand how Haitian children with TPS are thriving in our schools and how their parents and family members are contributing to our local economy. They show up every day, helping to make our city stronger."

In a letter addressed to Spokane's Congressional delegation, Mayor Brown urged them to find a resolution now for these families who deserve a clear and secure path forward. The letter can be found attached with this press release.

The mayor's call for action comes amidst concerns over Haiti's current state of extreme violence and political instability. Mayor Brown believes that forcing these families to return now would put their lives at serious risk.

In conclusion, Mayor Lisa Brown is calling on Congress to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals before the February 3 deadline. She believes that this is the right thing to do for both the Haitian community and the city of Spokane as a whole.

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