Local leaders and community advocates in Palm Beach County are warning that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Temporary Protected Status could have serious effects on Haitian families and the local economy.

Impact on Haitian Families

At a news conference on Monday, U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel said Palm Beach County is home to one of the nation’s largest Haitian communities and would be among the places most affected if TPS protections for Haitians are ultimately ended. Many Haitian TPS holders work in health care, home care, child care, construction, restaurants, and other essential industries.

Frankel and other local leaders said ending those protections could create fear and uncertainty for families while also leaving local employers without workers they rely on. Contributing approximately $2.6 billion to our economy and paying more than $300 million in state and local taxes, and many of them are caring for the people we love the most.

Local Economy Concerns

Palm Beach County leaders said the impact could be especially strong in South Florida because Florida has one of the largest Haitian TPS populations in the country. A House bill (H.R. 1689) that would extend TPS protections for Haiti through 2029 is moving through Congress. Local leaders are urging residents to contact elected officials and speak out in support of Haitian families.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.