FLORIDA, United States (CMC) — A United states legislator is calling on the United States authorities to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 60,000 Haitians living here to be extended by 18 months after January 22, 2018 expiry date.

“Given Haiti’s continued recovery from the 2010 earthquake and last fall’s Category 4 hurricane, I strongly urge you to grant a full, 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status for the roughly 60,000 Haitian nationals living here in the US,” US Democrat Senator Bill Nelson wrote in a letter to Elaine Duke, the acting secretary of Homeland of Security.

“Hurricane Matthew has significantly set back Haiti’s ongoing recovery efforts. As you consider this request to extend TPS beyond its current expiration date of January 22, I encourage you to visit Haiti to assess the conditions on the ground there for yourself. I also encourage you to meet with Haitian leaders in Florida to discuss the importance of extending protections for those already living here,” he wrote.

Earlier this year, John F Kelly, the then secretary of Homeland Security announced his decision to extend—for an additional six months, the TPS designation for Haiti.

“After careful review of the current conditions in Haiti and conversations with the Haitian government, I have decided to extend the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for a limited period of six-months,” said Kelly.

This is not the first time the Florida Democrat has weighed in on the issue. Nelson sent a similar letter to Kelly in May calling for a full, 18 month extension.

Nelson argued the US should be focused on helping the island nation recover from two devastating natural disasters, instead of sending people home to a country that can’t support them.