Beatty, Brown, Carey, and Landsman Introduce Bill to Give Temporary Protected Status to Mauritanians Living in the U.S.

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3) joined U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and her colleagues Congressmen Mike Carey (R-OH-15) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-1) in introducing the bipartisan TPS for Mauritania Act of 2024. This legislation aims to designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Mauritanians residing in the United States for up to 18 months. The requested designation is in response to the extraordinary conditions, including systemic and ongoing slavery and terrorism, which hinder Mauritanians from safely returning to their country.

“Black Mauritanians have endured horrific racial discrimination by their government, including forced statelessness and even trafficking into slavery. We cannot subject those who suffered under this oppression to deportation and a return to an apartheid-like state where they would likely face violence and potentially death,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “The United States must designate Temporary Protected Status for Mauritania and recognize the significant contributions that their diaspora has made to Central Ohio and communities across the country.” 

“We must act to ensure Mauritanians who have been living and working in the U.S. are protected from the harsh and life-threatening conditions – including slavery – they face if they return to their country right now,” said Senator Brown.

“America must send a clear message that we condemn slavery and will not return individuals to conditions where they may be enslaved or denied citizenship,” said Congressman Carey.

 “Mauritanians are fleeing horrific conditions and settling here in the United States to pursue a better way of life. In Cincinnati, they’ve become an integral part of our community. Our bipartisan bill would give our Mauritanian neighbors a sense of security. It will ensure they aren’t forced to return to dangerous conditions, and allow them to continue living, working, and contributing to the communities they’ve become a part of,” said Congressman Landsman.

Currently, an estimated 8,000 foreign-born Mauritanians are residing in the United States. More than 3,000 foreign-born Mauritanians live in Ohio, with the largest diaspora settling in Cincinnati and central Ohio. 

For inquiries, please contact Todd Valentine at Todd.Valentine@mail.house.gov.

###