The House of Representatives passed H.R. 8428, the Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act, that would grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to nationals from Hong Kong living in the United States at the time of enactment. The bill would also ensure that certain Hong Kong nationals facing persecution from the Chinese government can be considered for refugee resettlement in the United States.
The bill was approved by voice vote under suspension of the House rules, so House Members were not forced to vote for or against the bill.
The Democrat-led bill did have bipartisan support with seven Republicans cosponsoring the legislation, including:
- Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania
- Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois
- Rep. Van Taylor of Texas
- Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina
- Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida
NumbersUSA urged lawmakers to oppose the legislation because of the provisions granting TPS and lowering the credible fear standard required in obtaining refugee status.
