Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava releases statement on TPS extensions that will impact South Floridians

Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua for 18 months.  

In response, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released the following statement: 

“Extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is always a welcomed relief for thousands of families who have come to Miami-Dade County escaping dictatorships, natural disasters and human rights violations. As home to some of the largest communities of TPS holders in Florida and the nation, our county benefits when immigrants can live free from fear of deportation, fully participate in our community and contribute to our economy.  

However, I urge the administration to also redesignate TPS for immigrants from these communities who arrived after the initial designations many years ago. Such is the case for Nicaraguans who came after their initial TPS was designated in 1999, as the political crisis has continued to intensify at the hands of a repressive regime that continues to threaten democracy and safety. Redesignating TPS will help thousands of families find stability as they continue to build new lives here in our community.  

As I expressed to Secretary Mayorkas when I sent my original request to redesignate TPS for Nicaraguans, we must continue standing up for democracy around the world and protecting those who come to our shores fleeing oppression and seeking safety and freedom. For thousands of people, going back now would sentence them to live under authoritarian governments or economies crippled due to natural disasters and the pandemic.”  

Miami-Dade County will continue supporting TPS-eligible families on their application process by partnering with local nonprofits to host information sessions and free legal clinics. For more information, visit miamidade.gov/newamericans