Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal government can end temporary protected status for around 300,000 Haitians residing in the United States. Active and retired pastors from several Tallahassee churches are now urging Florida's political leaders to forego deportation of those immigrants. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Pastor R.B. Holmes says the pastors' message is meant especially for Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody.
"We've sent them a letter to lead with courage and compassion (and) support legislation that protects Haitian families who contribute to this state and this nation. They are our neighbors."
The pastors also want the U.S. to be part of an international effort to help Haiti rebuild its government, economy and society. Here's the Reverend Joseph Wright, Pastor of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.
"Under the leadership of President Trump, a national commission should be established and sent to Haiti to begin a dialogue of restoring Haiti to a meaningful and productive society."
Census data indicates that nearly half of the nation's 1.1 million Haitian immigrants live in Florida.
