MIAMI — A car caravan and press conference here Nov. 15 demanded the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, as well as those from Venezuela and 15 other countries. Cubans in the U.S. had also been protected under a separate government program.
The government ended protection from deportation and the right to work in the U.S. for over 600,000 Venezuelans Nov. 7, and overnight many lost jobs they’d held for years. A federal judge in July blocked a Department of Homeland Security order revoking TPS for Haitians. It is now due to expire Feb. 3.
The protest was led by the Families Action Network Movement and brought together some 25 people, representatives from several churches, immigrant rights organizations and elected officials.
Harris Harrington, an adviser for Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, told this Militant reporter three more protests are planned in December and January. A regular protest at the Krome Detention Center Dec. 7 will be devoted to the issue. Campaigners are building a contingent to take part in the Martin Luther King Day parade on Jan. 19.