U.S. immigrant since infancy is stuck in Haiti

Immigrants in Florida and across the nation are justifiably concerned over the implementation of new protocols with admission and residence in the United States. The still-relatively new presidential administration of Donald J. Trump is finding its way when it comes to campaign rhetoric and how close to the letter of the law they want the enforcement to be. That has left a great many people concerned about their legal status, wondering whether they can get a visa, and what will happen if they were once classified as a protected refugee. Having legal help with US immigration law can be useful in navigating these troubled waters.

One case exhibits how difficult it can be for an immigrant. A 24-year-old man from Haiti who has lived in the U.S. since he was an infant is stuck in the country of his birth because he had not renewed his temporary protected status in the U.S. He has been in Haiti since December. As a baby, he was brought to the U.S. by his parents when they were granted political asylum after there was a military coup. His father eventually because a naturalized citizen of the U.S.; his mother was also granted legal citizenship. Both live in Florida. His siblings are also citizens with his American-born brother serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

The man had started a business before he left the U.S. and had a new apartment. Now he resides in a primitive home in Haiti and might have to wait as long as a year-and-a-half to get the papers he needs to return to the U.S. legally. He states that he tried to do things according to the book, but his mistake in not renewing his temporary status is preventing that. Friends and family have started a social media campaign to shed light on his problem and help him to return.

This case shows how people who are trying to do what they are supposed to do according to the law can make mistakes that cost them substantially. The man has lived in the U.S. for basically his entire life and a glitch in retaining his status has left him on the outside looking in. For people who have a similar situation or are facing any other matter related to U.S. immigration, it is essential to speak to an attorney about the case.

Source: Miami Herald, “Florida resident stranded in Haiti in immigration quagmire,” April 30, 2017