
The United States has built a clause into its immigration law known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that allows people from certain countries to remain in the U.S. because their native countries have been deemed unsafe due to environmental conditions, violent conditions, or any other extreme scenario. This allows them to live, work, and travel to and from the U.S. during the length of time in which a Temporary Protected Status has been put in place. Read on to learn more about TPS and the recent announcement regarding Haitian immigrants.
Who is Eligible for TPS?
Temporary Protected Status is granted to individuals from countries that are experiencing difficult or dangerous situations, such as civil war, health epidemic, environmental disaster, or other factors that may prevent these nationals from returning home safely. Haiti was granted Temporary Protected Status after the 2010 earthquake that devastated the nation.
A Brief History of TPS for Haitians
As previously mentioned, Haiti was granted Temporary Protected Status in 2010. This TPS has been extended over the years until the Trump administration sought to end it in 2018. But, the Biden administration has recognized the devastating effects of COVID-19 on Haiti and its citizens.
What are the Latest Updates Regarding TPS?
According to CBS, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has explained that “Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.” As a result, the United States is working to support Haitian nationals until they can safely return home to Haiti. According to BuzzFeed, “The Biden administration will grant more than 100,000 Haitians in the US the opportunity to gain temporary protected status, shielding them from deportation and allowing them to obtain work permits…”
It is important to note that this announcement only applies to Haitians who are currently in the U.S., and not those who travel to the country after the announcement was made.
If you have any questions or concerns about TPS or the latest updates, contact our firm today to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.
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John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters, which is why If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.