Haiti Post-Quake: U.S Homeland Security Announces TPS Redesignation for Haiti Victims in U.S

May 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Before announcing formally the renewal and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian Nationals who are currently living in the United States, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Director, Mr. Alejandro Mayorcas, conversed in a teleconference call with Haitian Advocates nationwide to inform them about the new measure that would benefit Haiti Quake victims in the United States.  

Since March 2010, Haitian Advocates in the United States have requested on many occasions to the Obama Administration the importance to provide immigration relief to thousands of Haiti Quake Victims seeking safe haven in the United States.  Before the announcement this week, the only alternative that was available to this category of Haitians was to apply for Deferred Action.  The U.S Cost Guards had expressed concerns regarding the Deferred Action program for fear that it would encourage Haitians in their homeland to take to the sea and adventure themselves in sea-faring voyage that would put their life at risk.   The Administration implemented this program under the radar for many months, said Jean-Robert Lafortune.   In the Haitian Advocates Community, this program is seen  basically as a failure due to its complexity, continues Lafortune who was involved in several discussions with federal authorities on this matter.  The Obama Administration has granted so far 40,000 TPS Relief to Haitian Natiobals out of 55,000 applications received.   The Administration expects that some 10,000 people will likely apply for the TPS re-designation program.  This is a big relief for those people; for many of them were facing to be homeless in America or go back to their homeland to live under the tents, said Lafortune.  Those persons who were granted TPS will have their Work Authorization extended for an additional six months, explained Homeland Security Officials.

In essence, the decision of the Administration to expand the TPS program to provide immigration relief to some 10,000 Haitian Nationals is a testimony of the Obama Administration to stand by its promise expressed by President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in meetings with Haitian-American Leaders last year year and this year.  In signing on to the expansion, the U.S Coast Guard Rear Admiral , William D. Baumgartner pointed out that Haitians in the homeland must be informed that the U.S Policy regarding summary repatriation has not changed.  The Coast Guard, last month, continued with its mission in repatriating Haitian Nationals.  Some 667 caught in high seas had already been repatriated this year, said Admiral Baumgartner.  

In an another teleconference call with Administration Officials held Friday, May 20, 2011, Homeland Security Staff provided additional details regarding the specificity of the TPS Renewal and Re-designation.   The rules provide 90 days for re-registration to those who had already receive their TPS.  For those who will apply for the first time, a period of six months was granted to them to apply for the TPS measure.

Homeland Security Staff urged those with TPS pending application to call the number 202-272-1533, the TPS Hotline, in order to inquire about the status of their application.  For those who may be facing difficulty with employers, they can can call the U.S Department of Justice at 1800-255-7688. For additional information, log-in at www.USCIS.GOV/TPS and click on the Haiti TPS lynk.

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The Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition is a leading Human Rights and Civil Rights Group advocating for the rights of Haitian Nationals seeking safe haven in countries such as the United States and the Caribbean. It pursues fair and equal treatment.