How changes to U.S. immigration law can affect Haitians

In today’s political climate, it is becoming troublesome to be an immigrant in the United States for any reason. Floridians who are in the U.S. seeking to be able to stay in the country to protect them from persecution, from a program to help after a natural disaster, or for any other reason that stems from compassionate grounds will undoubtedly feel consternation regarding potential changed by the new presidential administration of Donald J. Trump. One group whose concerns are coming to the forefront in the current climate are Haitians who are worried about the possibility of being forced to return to their country while it is ravaged by illness and earthquakes.

Many of those who are expressing fear have been in the U.S. for years. These people have what is known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Protests are ongoing and the Trump Administration is being entreated to extend their benefits and right to stay. Legal professionals and activists encouraged those who are classified under TPS to be prepared for the possibility that the program will end.

Politicians, even those in Mr. Trump’s own party like Senator Marco Rubio, have been pushing for the Haitian community to be protected. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a recommendation that Haitians under TPS be allowed six months after the date at which their cards to stay employed expire – July 22 – before they might be deported. Certain TPS people might be eligible to get a green card because they are married or have a child who is a U.S. citizen and is over 21. Proof must be shown that the person was paroled, admitted or inspected and allowed to come to the U.S.

A lawyer who has worked to help members of the Haitian community is Ira Kurzban. Mr. Kurzban was honored at an event meant to educate and help those who are affected by these potential changes to the law. With his background in helping Haitians with their immigration issues and legal status, calling for assistance from an attorney who is skilled and caring with this aspect of US immigration law is essential.

Source: Miami Herald, “Haitians worried about deportation should start planning now, lawyers say,” Jacqueline Charles, May 19, 2017