Florida restaurants lobby for transition period after Supreme Court ends Haitian, Syrian TPS

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 25 that the Trump administration could terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals. The decision threatens the legal status of roughly 93,000 workers employed in Florida’s hospitality sector, a workforce that the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) says contributes an estimated $2.6 billion annually to the state’s economy.

FRLA and 11 other state hospitality groups sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on June 29 requesting a 90‑to‑120‑day transition period, clear guidance on re‑verification and E‑Verify requirements, and good‑faith protections for employers while they adjust to the change. The National Restaurant Association and a dozen states have joined the request. Lawmakers have voiced opposition, with Rep. Carlos Giménez (R‑FL) calling the removal of TPS a “huge mistake” and State Rep. Dotie Joseph (D‑FL) warning that the move could devastate industries already facing severe labor shortages.