PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds of faith leaders from across Pennsylvania signed a letter urging Republican Sen. Dave McCormick to support a bill that would restore temporary legal protections for Haitian immigrants.
The federal government revoked Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals last month. A couple dozen protesters gathered outside McCormick’s office at 20th and Market streets on Thursday to demand it back.
But Rev. Jennifer Joseph of Zion Community Church in Yeadon said Haiti’s political turmoil and rampant gang violence make it too dangerous for its nationals to return.
“The U.S. is discouraging its own citizens from going to Haiti because they believe that it is an unsafe place,” Rev. Joseph said.
About 270 state clergy members signed a letter urging McCormick to support a Senate bill that would restore TPS until April 2029. His colleague, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, co-sponsored the bill Thursday. It passed in the House.
“We’re seeing people in desperate situations, so what we’re asking for is compassion. For people to listen to their conscience and do what’s right,” said Peter Pedemonti, who co-directed immigrant advocacy group New Sanctuary Movement and organized the protest.
About 350,000 Haitians living in the United States were affected by TPS. New Sanctuary Movement said about 15,000 in Pennsylvania lost their TPS. Rev. Joseph has seen the effect in her congregation.
“They just don’t know what to do. There’s a sense of hopelessness. People are crying constantly. They’re just scared.”
