In May, the Biden Administration paved the way for more than 100,000 Haitian immigrants to apply for extensions to stay in the United States. This is one of several moves by the Biden administration to reverse harsh immigration policies put in place under President Trump.
Wondering if you qualify for any special protections under the new administration? Don’t wait any longer and contact Attorney Eric Price today. Attorney Price is an expert immigration attorney and has helped countless clients reunite with their families, become legal citizens, and start claiming their piece of the American Dream. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let’s get started.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status given to nationals of specifically designated countries facing :
- Ongoing armed conflict
- Environmental disaster
- Other extraordinary and temporary conditions
TPS provides a work permit and a stay of deportation to foreign nationals who are in the U.S. when the government designates their country as TPS-eligible. According to the U.S. government, there were about 320,000 TPS recipients residing in the U.S. as of May 2021.
Why Did President Trump Try To End TPS For Haitian Migrants?
Not long after taking office, President Trump ended TPS for Haitians who were allowed to work and live in the U.S. since an earthquake ravaged the island country in 2010. The Department of Homeland Security said they met with Haitian government officials and decided it was time to let the protections end. They cited the fact that since the 2010 earthquake, the number of displaced people in Haiti dropped by 97 percent and that significant steps to improve the stability and quality of life for Haitians had been taken.
How Many Haitians Have Been Deported?
In 2017, when Trump started his efforts to end TPS, about 5,550 Haitian refugees were deported.
Estimates show that since February 1, 2021, about 1,300 Haitians — including hundreds of children and infants — have been deported from the United States.
Why Is President Biden Granting Temporary Protected Status For Haitian Migrants?
Serious security concerns, social unrest, cropping poverty, a lack of basic resources (that were exacerbated by the pandemic), and a spike in human rights abuses are among the reasons Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas gave for the reinstatement of TPS for Haitians. In a statement, he said, “After careful consideration, we determined that we must do what we can to support Haitian nationals in the United States until conditions in Haiti improve so they may safely return home.”
What Will Be The Effect Of President Biden’s Actions?
During a designated TPS period, recipients of Temporary Protected Status receive the following benefits:
• They are deemed “not removable” from the United States and are not detonable by DHS on the basis of their immigration status alone.
• They are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD).
• They are eligible for travel authorization.
The 18-month TPS for Haitians applies only to Haitians who have been in the U.S. continuously since May 21, 2021 — that means the TPS does not apply for Haitian migrants arriving in the United States after May 21, 2021. It is estimated that more than 100,000 additional Haitian nationals will now become eligible for the new 18-month designation.
What Happens Next?
To file for TPS, you will need:
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Evidence of your identity and Haitian nationality
- Evidence of your date of entry (to ensure you were in the U.S. prior to May 21, 2021)
- Evidence of Continuous Residence (CR)
You can learn more about applying for TPS on the USCIS website.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
If you have any questions about claiming your TPS, or any other immigration-related questions, contact Eric Price today. Attorney Eric Price is a skilled, compassionate, and experienced immigration lawyer. He has continuously been ranked one of the top immigration attorneys in Los Angeles. Contact us today at 1.855.662.2772 for a free case consultation.
