FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals living in the U.S. is set to expire in just a few weeks, and union leaders say ending it could leave hundreds of workers out of a job.

Helene O’Brien, vice president of SEIU Local 32BJ, which represents Haitian employees at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, said many of the workers are “squeaky clean” and play essential roles at the airport.

“You have to have a very clean record to work at an American airport. You can’t have a criminal background or anything. Folks who work there are pretty much squeaky clean. And now they’re kicking them out for no reason.,” O’Brien said.

She warned that without TPS, the airport could see a major disruption.

“There’s going to be a significant turnover after Feb. 3, with hundreds of hundreds of jobs unfilled -- janitors, wheelchair pushers, and folks who work in concessions,” she said.

Democratic congressional leaders are urging the Trump administration to rethink the decision. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick said letting 350,000 people leave the country could hurt the economy.

“If we allow 350,000 people to leave the country with a mass exodus, this will destroy our economy,” Cherfilus-McCormick said.

Advocates are planning a rally next week at the airport. Some members who came to Florida after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake will share personal stories, hoping to catch the attention of the White House.

TPS for Haitians set to expire, union pushes for extension

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Magdala Louissaint