The end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is already creating labor shortages across South Florida

The end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is already creating labor shortages across South Florida, where thousands of Haitian workers have lost the authorization that allowed them to legally remain on the job.

The Wall Street Journal reports that home-care agencies have shut down, nursing homes are scrambling to fill vacancies, restaurants are reducing operating hours, and hotels, retailers, airport contractors and other businesses are struggling to replace workers following the end of Haitian TPS work authorization.

In Miami-Dade and Broward, two home-care agencies reportedly closed after each lost more than 80 Haitian TPS workers, according to the Home Care Association of Florida. Another North Miami business was forced to dismiss 15 Haitian employees, nearly half of its workforce.

Jewish Community Services of South Florida also had to let go of 18 Haitian TPS holders, including home-health aides who had worked with the organization for more than 20 years. JCS provides home care to approximately 400 Holocaust survivors.

Reuters also reported that approximately 21,000 Haitian TPS holders worked as caregivers and nursing assistants across the United States, serving roughly 77,000 patients before the protections ended.

The growing labor shortages are putting a new spotlight on the role Haitian immigrants have played for years in South Florida’s healthcare, hospitality and service industries.