What does Preamble of Respect for Essential Workers Act do?

This bill aims to limit the removal of certain temporary protected status (TPS) recipients who are considered essential workers. The bill's stated purpose is "to limit the removal from the United States of certain recipients of temporary protected status who are essential workers, and for other purposes."

What does SHORT TITLE. of Respect for Essential Workers Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Respect for Essential Workers Act.

What does TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS. of Respect for Essential Workers Act do?

This section provides temporary protected status for covered aliens. Covered aliens may not be removed from the United States based on the termination of their temporary protected status. Covered aliens may adjust their status to permanent residence 90 days after the Act's enactment. A 'covered alien' is an alien present in the U.S. under temporary protected status who works in or receives training for an occupation in an essential industry or a health care-related profession in a shortage area. ’Essential industry’ includes health care, emergency response, sanitation, restaurant services, retail, food processing, agricultural work, construction, disaster recovery, home and community-based work, family care, and transportation/logistics.

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Respect for Essential Workers Act

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill protects certain temporary protected status (TPS) recipients who work in essential industries or healthcare-related shortage areas from deportation.
It allows these 'covered aliens' to apply for permanent residency within 90 days of the bill's enactment.
The bill defines 'essential industry' to include sectors like healthcare, sanitation, agriculture, and transportation.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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