Since its inception, the Joe Biden administration has made efforts to overturn anti-immigrant policies pertaining to the Trump Era. With this mission in mind, the Administration has expanded protections for immigrants, particularly those from Haiti, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Cameroon, and Venezuela.
Now, given the living conditions and the dangers to which they could be subjected in their country of origin, a 2022 extension of Haiti for TPS has been made. In other words, Haitians with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will be given the opportunity to apply for an extension of the benefit so that they can stay in the United States for a longer period of time.
At Jaskot Law, our attorneys will explain what TPS is, why it is so important for the immigrant community, and what benefits it brings to Haitians seeking a new life in the United States. Should you have any more questions, do not hesitate to contact us through [email protected]. We can help you!
What is TPS in the United States?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program designed to protect people whose countries of origin are considered dangerous. It grants migrants the power to live and work legally in the United States for a specified period of time, which may be extended. Even though this does not mean permanent resident status, many TPS beneficiaries have lived in the country for more than 20 years.
While it has been a source of bipartisan support, the program has not been spared controversy and opposition. During former President Donald Trump’s tenure, due to his efforts to impose Zero Tolerance policies, TPS faltered, jeopardizing the protection of thousands of immigrants. But fortunately, thanks to appeals in the federal courts, the program remained in force.
Now, the current administration under Joe Biden has campaigned not only to protect immigration relief, but also to extend it and add more countries to the list, among which Haiti is included.
2022 extension of Haiti for TPS: Good news for Haitians
The Biden Administration in tandem with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday that Haitians already in the country under TPS will be granted relief from deportation and access to work authorization. The reason for this is that the housing, political, and economic conditions in Haiti are not safe for the population to return to the country.
“Conditions in Haiti, including socioeconomic challenges, political instability, and gang violence and crime, compounded by the environmental disaster, compelled the humanitarian assistance we are providing today,” said Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security.
Approximately 264,000 Haitians will benefit from the 2022 extension of Haiti for TPS. They will have an extra 18 months of protection before the current regulation expires next February, with TPS until August 3, 2024, always being prone to get extended again.
In August 2021, Biden extended TPS, accepting within the humanitarian protections also the Haitian community that had been in the country for the last decade. The following month, in September 2021, thousands of Haitians crossed the border, settling in camps in Texas. This attracted much attention and controversy, with one side celebrating the government’s decision, and the other harshly criticizing it for the imminent wave of immigration.
Fortunately, TPS was not only maintained, but also now extended again. At the immigration law firm Jaskot Law, we welcome all policies that benefit the immigrant community, and we are dedicated to informing and providing legal assistance to those who need it.
