CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says there are hopeful signs of recovery in storm-ravaged Haiti.

The Florida Democrat traveled to the Caribbean country over the weekend. He discussed his findings with Haitian advocates Monday in Coral Gables.

Nelson said security in Haiti's capital is improving and a 2006 U.S. trade deal is creating thousands of textile production jobs.

He is urging President Barack Obama to grant temporary protected status to approximately 30,000 Haitians living in the U.S. illegally. The protection would allow them to work legally and send money to home.

Nelson said it's only fair to extend the protection to Haiti because it continues years after being issued for some illegal immigrants from Central America after natural disasters there.