This statement is attributable to: Reid Ribble, CEO, National Roofing Contractors Association
On May 22, the Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status for qualifying individuals from Haiti effective May 21, 2021. Given the many individuals currently working within the roofing industry under TPS, NRCA commends the Biden administration for taking this action.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said adverse conditions in Haiti warranted a renewed designation of TPS for the island nation at this time. Under federal law, a country may be designated for TPS as a result of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Individuals eligible for TPS under Haiti’s new designation must file an application with Citizenship and Immigration Services within the registration period that will begin with a forthcoming Federal Register notice.
NRCA supports the extension of TPS for countries where conditions warrant. Failure to do so will exacerbate ongoing workforce shortages and cause severe disruption for many hardworking individuals and families who have been contributing to their communities for many years. This is especially true in the construction industry in which about 51,700 TPS individuals are now legally employed.
NRCA recognizes the need for reform of TPS as a component of our immigration system, which Congress urgently needs to address. NRCA supports the Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), which would allow individuals with TPS who have a demonstrated employment record and meet other criteria to adjust to permanent legal status. This legislation was approved in the House of Representatives in March and is pending before the Senate. NRCA urges lawmakers to continue working to develop bipartisan legislative solutions that can be enacted into law.