Hits: 53

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Markwayne Mullin to reiterate her strong opposition to the termination of protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Mullin:

I am writing to follow up on a conversation I had with President Trump, and to

reiterate my strong opposition to the termination of protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The callousness of abruptly ending TPS for legally-present individuals including the

recent termination for Haitians and the forthcoming termination for Salvadorians will force New York State and local governments to sever the employment of hundreds of essential employees as soon as next week, putting their livelihoods – and potentially their safety – at risk.

This impact is not limited to government workers and will be felt by private sector

industries across our state. The sudden removal of these members of our workforce and our communities will impact critical services that New Yorkers rely on – with a particularly heavy impact on the healthcare industry, putting our seniors and other vulnerable New Yorkers at risk.

For generations, New York has welcomed those fleeing disasters or persecution and

seeking a better future. Through our Office for New Americans, my administration has

supported thousands of New Yorkers with TPS application assistance and legal

representation. New York remains committed to supporting TPS recipients and will continue to do everything in our power to prevent harm to the immigrant community.

By knowingly and cruelly forcing thousands of families to leave our country and

return to their home countries, regardless of any ongoing or worsening humanitarian crises, the White House is committing a reckless and inhumane act. But it is not too late to reverse course.

I once again urge you to fully restore TPS for those who cannot return due to extreme

instability, violence, and crises in TPS-designated countries. These individuals have made enormous contributions to our communities and our economy, and helped define the character of our state.

TPS exists precisely because people should not be forced back into danger. No

administration should knowingly send individuals back into harm’s way when the law

provides a clear path to protect them.

I eagerly await your response to this urgent matter. We, as leaders and as Americans,

have a responsibility to protect and preserve the dignity, security and basic livelihood for all.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul

Governor