Haitians with legal status under TPS get extension

The United States has long been known as a sanctuary for those who are seeking protection as a refugee and need asylum. Many who come to the U.S. with legal status under difficult circumstances are in Florida. With the substantive changes to policy in the era or President Donald J. Trump, many of these groups are fearful that their status will be called into question or they will be deported. Having legal assistance with this area of US immigration law is imperative for those who are worried about these matters.

A recent post discussed how Haitians are feeling the pressure from the Trump Administration’s policies. The president’s rhetoric left many wondering how they would be affected if the new policies were put into place. Subsequently, the Administration has taken a step back and will extend the legal status of close to 59,000 Haitians who are currently in the U.S. John Kelly, Mr. Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary, provided Haitians with six more months to remain in the U.S. This is a departure from the usual 18 months that refugees frequently get.

The Administration is referencing the new scrutiny given to those who fall under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Haitians were granted TPS prior to Mr. Trump’s inauguration. Generally, those who are in the U.S. legally or illegally at the time of TPS can stay. Mr. Kelly told Haitians who were in the U.S. under TPS not to function under the belief that it would be extended beyond January 2018. This is viewed as an example of Mr. Trump adapting from a campaigning to governing, but there is still fear that those who are in the U.S. based on TPS could be subjected to deportation once their extension ends. Others who have benefited from TPS include those who fled El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen because of war and natural disasters.

People who are concerned about their status when they are in the U.S., based on TPS, must make sure they understand the law and are protected from being deported. A lawyer who is experienced in immigrant matters is essential. Those who are in the country under TPS or are worried about immigration law for any other reason should contact an attorney immediately.

Source: Politico, “Trump extends legal protection for nearly 59,000 Haitians in U.S.,” Josh Gerstein, Ted Hesson, May 22, 2017