Rep. Torres, 1199SEIU Denounce Supreme Court TPS Ruling, Demand Congressional Action

BRONX, NY — Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) joined 1199SEIU, faith leaders, and community members at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for a rally and press conference denouncing the Supreme Court’s ruling on Temporary Protected Status and calling on Congress to pass legislation guaranteeing lasting protections for TPS holders. The ruling leaves TPS holders in the Bronx and across the country facing the loss of their legal status and the threat of deportation. The rally called attention to the impact of the decision on immigrant families who have lived, worked, and raised children in the United States for years under protected status.

Speakers included Rep. Ritchie Torres, Joy Montague, the Rt. Rev. Matthew F. Heyd, 17th Bishop of New York, and Father Duvert of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Remarks focused on the broader impact of TPS termination on healthcare workers and immigrant communities across New York, including the strain the ruling places on hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies that rely heavily on immigrant workers.

TPS holders make up a significant share of the healthcare workforce in New York, working as home health aides, nursing assistants, and hospital staff. Advocates warned that the loss of legal status for these workers threatens not only the families directly affected but also the stability of the healthcare system that New Yorkers depend on. Rep. Torres and 1199SEIU called on Congress to act swiftly to pass legislation providing permanent protections for TPS holders, preventing the disruption of families, communities, and the healthcare workforce.

###