June 29, 2026
Kendrick Meek Statement on Haitian American Leaders' Call for Action in Response to Supreme Court's Devastating Decision on TPS for Haitians
Meek Joins the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, Community Leaders in Call for Action Following Devastating Supreme Court Decision
Miami, FL
Today, Kendrick Meek released this statement as he joined the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network and other Haitian American community leaders in their call for action in response to the Supreme Court's decision allowing President Trump to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals living in the United States:
“The Supreme Court's devastating decision allowing the end of TPS protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians is a national disgrace.
“Where I grew up not far from here, Haitians were not strangers to me. They were my neighbors, my classmates, my friends. And when a friend is in need, you show up.
“Haiti continues to face severe violence, instability, and humanitarian challenges. Forcing people to return under these conditions is wrong, separates families, and needlessly puts lives at risk. Helping our Haitian neighbors is what we as a country must be doing and it is exactly what TPS is designed for.
“My grandmother, Carrie Meek, was a relentless fighter for the Haitian community in the Congress. This community sent her to Congress to fight for them and one of her first legislative victories was to provide more equitable treatment for Haitians under our immigration law. She was an ardent champion for this community in the Congress and my father took up the mantle of leadership, including his successful call for President Obama to extend TPS following the 2010 earthquake.
“But we are strongest when we are all here together speaking in one voice so I'm honored to join with the national and community leaders from the Haitian community in calling for the passage of Senator Markey's legislation to extend TPS to Haiti by law and keep families together.
“I also reiterate my call for President Trump to immediately restore TPS protections for Haitians and provide certainty to families who have built their lives in the United States. We can have secure borders while also treating people with dignity and compassion.
“President Trump, show us you have a heart and restore these vital protections for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians impacted by this heartless and wrongheaded Supreme Court decision.”