ATLANTA – State Representatives El-Mahdi Holly (D-Stockbridge), Segun Adeyina (D-Grayson), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta), Gabe Okoye (D-Lawrenceville) and Solomon Adesanya (D-Marietta) express their opposition of the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. They urge federal leaders to pursue a compassionate, lawful and humanitarian approach that recognizes the continued instability facing the Haitian people.
“Haiti continues to face extraordinary humanitarian, political and security challenges,” said Rep. Holly, co-chair of the Georgia African Legislative Caucus. “This is not simply an immigration issue—it is a human issue. Families who have lived, worked, paid taxes, worshipped and contributed to our communities deserve fairness, dignity and due process. We urge Congress and the federal government to work together on a permanent solution that reflects both compassion and America’s values.”
“As members of the African diaspora, we understand that instability anywhere affects communities everywhere,” said Rep. Adeyina, co-chair of the Georgia African Legislative Caucus. “Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis cannot be ignored. The United States has long been a beacon of hope for those fleeing extraordinary circumstances. Our policies should continue to reflect that leadership through compassion, justice, and responsible immigration solutions.”
“Georgia is home to a vibrant Haitian community whose contributions strengthen our economy, healthcare system, educational institutions, businesses and neighborhoods every single day,” said Rep. Schofield. “Removing Temporary Protected Status without a meaningful pathway forward threatens family stability, workforce continuity and the economic security of countless Georgians. We must lead with humanity, facts and solutions—not fear.”
“When families who work hard and contribute to our communities face uncertainty, we should respond with compassion, not fear,” said Rep. Olaleye. “Our Haitian neighbors have helped strengthen Georgia in countless ways, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. That’s who we are, and that’s the kind of leadership this moment calls for.”
“Our state benefits from the talent, entrepreneurship and resilience of immigrant communities,” said Rep. Okoye. “Haitian TPS holders have become essential members of Georgia’s workforce, serving in healthcare, transportation, hospitality, construction, education and countless other industries. Supporting these families is not only the right thing to do—it is also in Georgia’s economic interest.”
These representatives also state that ending TPS for Haitian nationals places thousands of families at risk, disrupts Georgia’s workforce, separates families and undermines America’s longstanding commitment to providing temporary refuge to individuals unable to safely return to countries experiencing extraordinary conditions. They further assert that the recent legal developments allowing the federal government to move forward with ending TPS have intensified uncertainty for Haitian communities across Georgia and the nation.
These representatives urge U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to preserve humanitarian protections for eligible Haitian nationals; advance bipartisan immigration reforms that provide certainty for long-term TPS holders; keep families together while recognizing the continuing humanitarian conditions in Haiti; and work collaboratively with state and local leaders to protect communities, employers and essential workers impacted by changes in federal immigration policy.
Representative El-Mahdi Holly represents the citizens of District 116, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Industry & Labor, Judiciary Non-Civil, Small Business Development and Transportation committees.
Representative Segun Adeyina represents the citizens of District 110, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Education and Technology & Infrastructure Innovation committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Phil Olaleye represents the citizens of District 59, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Education, Governmental Affairs and Information and Audits committees.
Representative Gabe Okoye represents the citizens of District 102, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Human Relations & Aging and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Solomon Adesanya represents the citizens of District 43, which includes a portion of Cobb County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the House Minority Caucus Treasurer. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs and Small Business Development committees.
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