Florida’s largest nursing home organization is urging the federal government to allow Haitian workers with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to continue working in long-term care facilities, warning that losing experienced caregivers could have serious consequences for thousands of seniors across the state.
In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) asked federal officials to allow Haitian TPS holders employed in healthcare to remain on the job while they pursue other lawful immigration pathways.
The request comes as Haitian TPS holders face growing uncertainty over their legal work authorization following recent federal policy changes.
According to the FHCA, as many as 35,000 healthcare workers in Florida could be affected if Haitian TPS holders lose the ability to work legally. While not all of those workers are employed in nursing homes, the association says many serve in long-term care facilities, where staffing shortages have already become a major challenge.
The organization warned that losing even a small percentage of these experienced caregivers could disrupt daily operations and affect the quality and continuity of care for elderly residents and people with disabilities who rely on them.
Florida is home to one of the nation’s largest populations of Haitian TPS holders, many of whom work in healthcare, hospitality, construction, and other essential industries. The FHCA said its request is focused on protecting patient care while allowing affected workers time to pursue other legal immigration options.
The association emphasized that the issue extends beyond immigration policy, describing it as a healthcare workforce challenge that could affect vulnerable Floridians if experienced caregivers are forced to leave their jobs.
The letter adds to a growing number of appeals from healthcare leaders, business organizations, and elected officials who have expressed concern about the potential impact of recent TPS changes on Florida’s workforce and economy.
