Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants is ending
When a devastating earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, the United States designed a Temporary Protection Status (TPS) program to help Haitians who were already living in the US or who traveled here within one year after the earthquake, the program grants work permit and temporary immigration status. Approximate 59,000 Haitians are living here under that TPS.
Monday, November 20, 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated:
“The decision to terminate TPS for Haiti was made after a review of the conditions upon which the country’s original designation were based and whether those extraordinary but temporary conditions prevented Haiti from adequately handling the return of their nationals, as required by statute. Based on all available information, including recommendations received as part of an inter-agency consultation process, Acting Secretary Duke determined that those extraordinary but temporary conditions caused by the 2010 earthquake no longer exist. Thus, under the applicable statute, the current TPS designation must be terminated.”
Since the tragedy, the Haitians protected by TPS. have established roots and started new families. During these past 7 years approximately 30,000 children have been born in the U.S. to the TPS protected Haitians. These children are allowed to stay here, but the rest of their families, including parents and siblings born elsewhere must leave. Families face the harsh decision of leaving to their country of origin or take the risk of remain tin the U.S. illegally and face deportation at any point after the July 2019 deadline.
Bartlett & Weigle is extremely disappointed in this decision and will encourage those affected to contact us or other competent immigration counsel to discuss their options, including other relief that may be available.
More info:
-link to DHS announcement
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/11/20/acting-secretary-elaine-duke-announcement-temporary-protected-status-haiti
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