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File ID: #1178
Resolution
Sponsored by: Commissioner Keon Hardemon
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING PRESIDENT BARACK
H. OBAMA AND THE MEMBERS OF THE 114TH UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO
GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE STATUS TO HAITIANS IN THE UNITED
STATES; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS STATED HEREIN.
City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
Enactment Number: R-16-0525
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 1178 Final Action Date:10/27/2016
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING PRESIDENT BARACK
H. OBAMA AND THE MEMBERS OF THE 114TH UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO
GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE STATUS TO HAITIANS IN THE UNITED
STATES; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS STATED HEREIN.
WHEREAS, Haiti was ravaged by Hurricane Matthew's powerful Category 4 winds and
flood waters last week resulting in a great number of deaths and an immeasurable economic toll
affecting over two (2) million people; and
WHEREAS, Hurricane Matthew's devastation to Haiti has resulted in the destruction of
infrastructure and resources to rebuild, which will deepen the devastation of the people; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Homeland Security continues to enforce policies for the
apprehension, detention, and removal of undocumented Haitians residing in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, Temporary Protective Status ("TPS") suspends the deportation of
undocumented Haitians already in the United States; and
WHEREAS, allowing undocumented Haitians to have TPS status also allows the
granting of work permits, effective for up to eighteen (18) months; and
WHEREAS, Haitian workers in the United States of America ("United States") support
relatives in Haiti with remittances sent to them from the United States estimated to total more
than $1 billion; and
WHEREAS, granting TPS would only apply to Haitians already in the United States and
could combat massive waves of migration by keeping working Haitians in this country so they
can continue to earn money to clothe, feed and house relatives in Haiti left destitute because of
the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew; and
WHEREAS, TPS has been granted to migrants from several Central American and other
nations undergoing turmoil and destruction similar to Haiti's; and
WHEREAS, President Barak H. Obama and his administration have the power to
develop modifications to the enforcement of immigration laws and the Secretary of Homeland
Security has the power to approve TPS for humanitarian causes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") is particularly sympathetic to Haiti's plight because
the hardworking Haitian community has so positively impacted the diverse cultures of the City
and because the City is acutely aware of the dire needs of Haiti's population;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The City Commission urges President Barack H. Obama and the Members of
the 114th United States Congress to grant TPS to Haitians in the United States.
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the
President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, to Florida Congressional Delegation and
to the thirty-five (35) municipalities that comprise the Miami -Dade League of Cities.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and
signature of the Mayor.'
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
ndez, ity Attor ey 10/18/2016
1 If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten (10) calendar days
from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall become effective
immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.