Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces Former UNITE Here Organizer and Haitian TPS Recipient as Guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress
ORLANDO, FL — In anticipation of the upcoming State of the Union Address to Congress on Tuesday, March 4, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) has announced Wilna Destin, a former labor organizer and Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holder, will be his guest.
"Wilna Destin has spent years championing the rights of immigrants and workers, advocating for fair wages, protections, and economic justice. It's my honor to have her join me for the Joint Address," said Congressman Frost.
"Wilna arrived in the U.S. from Haiti in 2000 and was granted TPS in 2010. After more than 20 years of working in the hospitality industry and raising a family here, she and her husband—along with over 500,000 Haitian TPS holders—now face the threat of deportation."
Despite unstable and deteriorating living conditions in Haiti, President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security have vacated the Biden administration's decision to extend Haiti's Temporary Protected Status by 18 months. As part of this move, Haiti's TPS will end on August 3, 2025.
"The recent decision to eliminate TPS for Haitians is yet another cruel attack on immigrants from this administration, treating those seeking refuge with callousness rather than with dignity and respect. Instead of spewing hateful rhetoric about immigrants, it's time this administration recognizes immigrants as humans and vital members of our community by creating speedy pathways to citizenship for our most vulnerable and strengthening temporary protections until we do so, and that's exactly the message we plan on sending to President Trump at this address.
"Our Haitian siblings—here in Central Florida, across the country, and on the island—need our support, empathy, and commitment to their well-being. Wilna has dedicated her life to that fight, not just for herself but for thousands of others whose futures are now also in limbo. Her courage and fierce advocacy make it an honor to have her as my guest."
At a time when immigrant communities face relentless attacks from the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress, Congressman Frost's invitation to Wilna Destin highlights the human cost of these harmful policies and underscores the urgent need for action to protect immigrants.
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