Politics
US Secretary Of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen Extends Temporary Protected Status For Syria
Published
8 years agoon
By
Willie DavidWASHINGTON — Today, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced her determination that an extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Syria was warranted pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act. After carefully reviewing conditions in Syria with interagency partners, Secretary Nielsen determined that the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions that support Syria’s designation for TPS continue to exist. Therefore, pursuant to the statute she has extended Syria’s TPS designation for 18 months.
“After carefully considering conditions on the ground, I have determined that it is necessary to extend the Temporary Protected Status designation for Syria,” said Secretary Nielsen. “It is clear that the conditions upon which Syria’s designation was based continue to exist, therefore an extension is warranted under the statute. We will continue to determine each country’s TPS status on a country-by-country basis.”
Syrians with TPS status will be eligible to re-register for an extension of their status for 18 months, through September 30, 2019. Prior to the conclusion of the 18 month extension, the Secretary will review conditions in Syria to determine whether its TPS designation should be extended again or terminated.
The decision to extend TPS for Syria was made after a review of the conditions upon which the country’s designation is based, which was ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions, as well as an assessment of whether those conditions continue to exist as required by statute. Following careful consideration of available information, including recommendations received as part of an inter-agency consultation process, the Secretary determined that the conditions supporting Syria’s designation for TPS continue to exist. Thus, under the applicable statute, the current TPS designation must be extended.
There are approximately 7,000 Syrian TPS beneficiaries. This 18-month extension of Syria’s designation for TPS permits current Syrian TPS beneficiaries to re-register for TPS and remain in the United States with work authorization through September 30, 2019. To be eligible for TPS under Syria’s current designation, along with meeting the other eligibility requirements, individuals must have continuously resided in the United States since August 1, 2016, and have been continuously physically present in the United States since October 1, 2016. Anyone who has been here since the time of the previous designation may be eligible to seek other forms of immigration relief.
Further details about this extension for TPS, including information about the re-registration process and employment authorization documents, will appear in a Federal Register notice.
Florida
The Villages Could Elect Florida’s First Neurosurgeon Dr. Nizam Razack to Congress
Published
9 hours agoon
June 7, 2026By
Willie DavidSiegel, widely known as the “Queen of Versailles” and the widow of late timeshare Billionaire David Siegel, welcomed community leaders, business professionals, supporters, and guests interested in learning more about Razack’s campaign and priorities.
A Different Kind of Candidate
As voters across The Villages, Sumter County, Lake County, Citrus County, Hernando County, Polk County, and portions of Pasco County prepare for the August 18, 2026 Republican primary, Razack is positioning himself as a candidate whose professional experience differs significantly from that of traditional politicians.
A board-certified neurosurgeon, Razack has spent decades treating patients, leading medical teams, teaching future physicians, practicing law, and building healthcare organizations.
If elected, Razack would join a small number of physicians serving in Congress and could become Florida’s first neurosurgeon elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The most prominent American neurosurgeon to enter national politics is Ben Carson. Although he never served in Congress, Carson gained national recognition through his 2016 presidential campaign and later served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Donald Trump‘s Cabinet.
Healthcare Expertise at the Forefront
During the gathering, Razack discussed issues affecting residents throughout Central Florida, including healthcare access, Medicare, physician shortages, veterans’ healthcare, government accountability, public safety, and economic opportunity.
“Congress has many career politicians, but very few physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients and solving complex problems,” Razack told Florida National News during an interview at the Siegel estate. “As Washington debates healthcare, Medicare, physician shortages, and patient care, it is critical that medical professionals have a seat at the table and help shape policies that impact millions of Americans.”
Razack emphasized that his background in medicine, law, education, and business provides a unique perspective on public policy and government reform.
Appeal to The Villages and Senior Voters
The Villages and surrounding communities represent one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees and senior citizens, making healthcare and retirement security among the most important issues for many voters.
Razack’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on protecting Medicare for current beneficiaries, expanding access to physicians and specialists, supporting veterans’ healthcare services, reducing unnecessary healthcare bureaucracy, and promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.
Supporters argue that his experience making life-and-death decisions as a neurosurgeon demonstrates the type of leadership and accountability voters are seeking from elected officials.
From the Operating Room to Congress
Razack told attendees that his campaign is centered on bringing practical problem-solving experience to Washington.
“For decades, I have worked in environments where results matter and failure is not an option,” Razack said. “The challenges facing our nation require leaders who can analyze problems, build consensus, and deliver solutions.”
As the Republican primary campaign begins to take shape, Razack is expected to continue introducing himself to voters throughout Florida’s 11th Congressional District while emphasizing his record of service in medicine, education, law, healthcare leadership, and business development.
Listed below are the candidates currently filed for Florida’s 11th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of Daniel Webster, late April 2026.
Republican Candidates
- Carey Baker
- Chanelle Krisette Barnes
- Ivette Palomo
- Nizam Razack
- Anthony Sabatini
- Ryan Lee Smith
- Tim Wilkins
- Mike Wilnau
Democratic Candidates
- Barbara Harden Hall (“Barbie”)
- Walter J. Walker
- Royal Sylvester Webster II
- Dan Williams
Libertarian Candidate
- Ralph Groves
The Republican primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
Florida
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run
Published
1 week agoon
May 31, 2026MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.
Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.
13 Years in the Florida Legislature
Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.
His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.
Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid
Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.
The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.
Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.
“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”
Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention
Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.
Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Florida
Former Air Force Colonel and Physician Rudolph Moise Seeks Florida Congressional Seat Vacated by Frederica Wilson
Published
1 week agoon
May 30, 2026MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has announced she will not seek reelection to Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating an open-seat race that is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Even before Wilson’s retirement announcement became public, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise had already shifted his political focus. Moise withdrew from the crowded race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to pursue a campaign for the seat currently held by Wilson.
Moise Brings Military, Medical, Legal, and Business Experience
Moise is a longtime physician, attorney, businessman, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Over the years, he has built a public profile through his medical practice, community involvement, and repeated campaigns for federal office in South Florida.
His decision to enter the race immediately positions him among the most recognizable candidates seeking to succeed Wilson in Congress.
No Stranger to Running Against Wilson
Moise is no stranger to challenging Wilson at the ballot box.
He previously mounted two congressional campaigns against the longtime Democratic incumbent but was unsuccessful in his efforts to unseat her. Despite those defeats, Moise maintained a visible presence in South Florida politics and continued advocating on issues related to healthcare, economic development, public safety, and government accountability.
With Wilson now stepping aside, Moise will have his first opportunity to compete for the seat without facing the incumbent congresswoman.
Political observers note that Moise’s prior campaigns have given him valuable name recognition and an established network of supporters throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Redistricting Could Reshape the Political Landscape
Florida’s congressional map underwent significant changes following redistricting approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The revised boundaries altered several congressional districts across the state, including portions of South Florida.
The new district configuration could create different political dynamics than those Moise faced during his previous campaigns against Wilson.
As candidates begin to organize for the 2026 election cycle, the open-seat contest is expected to attract a competitive field of Democratic and Republican contenders seeking to represent one of South Florida’s most prominent congressional districts.
With Wilson’s departure ending an era in South Florida politics, voters will soon decide who will succeed the veteran congresswoman and represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in Washington.