Discharge petition reaches 218 signatures, forcing floor vote on protections for 350,000 Haitian workers and over 1 million American seniors
Four Republicans in competitive districts protect 350,000 workers contributing billions to economy and caring for 1 million seniors
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action) today celebrated a major bipartisan breakthrough as a House discharge petition to protect Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) reached the 218-signature threshold, forcing a direct floor vote on legislation that would safeguard legal status and work permits for 350,000 Haitian workers and protect care for over 1 million American seniors.
The discharge petition, filed by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), secured signatures from all House Democrats and four Republicans: Mike Lawler (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), and Don Bacon (R-NE).
Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC Action, issued the following statement:
“Today marks a turning point. Four Republicans joined every Democrat to do what’s right for American seniors, American businesses, and the Haitian workers who have spent decades caring for our most vulnerable. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for her leadership and to Representatives Lawler, Fitzpatrick, Salazar, and Bacon for putting our economy and our businesses first.
“Last year’s decision to terminate TPS for 350,000 Haitians threatened to pull the rug out from under our nursing homes, hotels, and essential businesses—and the over one million American seniors who depend on Haitian caregivers every single day. Today’s bipartisan action provides the protection these workers and the Americans they serve desperately need.
“The economic stakes are clear: Haitian TPS holders contributed over $2.2 billion in taxes in 2021 alone, supporting programs like Medicare and Social Security. In 2023, TPS workers across all countries generated $35.9 billion in GDP, with significant contributions in Florida, Texas, and California. Ending this program would have meant billions in lost economic activity and devastating labor shortages in healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
“This vote proves something important: in competitive districts, protecting the workers who care for our seniors isn’t partisan—it’s common sense. Representatives Lawler, Fitzpatrick, Salazar, and Bacon showed voters in Florida, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and New York what governing looks like.
“Today also proves what we’ve always known: when business leaders, faith communities, and workers unite around practical solutions, we can deliver what Washington claims is impossible—durable, bipartisan immigration policy that strengthens our economy and reflects our values.”
“This victory belongs to the Care for Our Seniors, Care for America Coalition—a powerful alliance of business, faith, and labor that ABIC convened in January alongside LeadingAge, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National TPS Alliance, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Faith in Action, and SEIU. It represents the first major bipartisan breakthrough for immigration solutions since we launched our national Dignity Tour for the Dignity Act, which has earned 40 bipartisan cosponsors.
Rebecca Shi is available for interviews. Please email all inquiries to ABICpress@fgsglobal.com.
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Background on the Care for Our Seniors, Care for America Coalition:
Launched in January 2026, the coalition brought together diverse stakeholders to protect Haitian TPS holders who comprise a critical segment of America’s healthcare and hospitality workforce. The coalition’s advocacy emphasized the direct impact on eldercare, with Haitian workers playing essential roles in nursing homes and home care services nationwide.
About ABIC Action: We were created to mobilize the power of American businesses and the general public to promote and advocate for sensible immigration solutions. ABIC Action will develop and advocate for legislation, regulations, and government programs that promote common-sense state and federal immigration reform to benefit the people and economy of our country. ABIC Action operates under federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).