The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians until July 2014. The extension applies only to those already granted Temporary Protected Status, although certain family members of those with TPS may apply for an initial approval.
TPS was granted following a devastating earthquake in Haiti that took tens of thousands of lives. Since then, a cholera outbreak has killed as many as 7,000 people. There are still 400,000 displaced persons in Haiti living in tent cities. While there has been some improvement in Haiti since the earthquake, development experts believe it will take years before expatriates in the United States are able to safely return.
Approximately 60,000 Haitians have received protection under the TPS program so far.
TPS was created to provide protection to people unable to return to their homelands due to war or natural disaster. While it is not a path to citizenship, it does provide people with employment authorization for 18 months and prevents their deportation while they have the status.
Haitians will have 60 days to renew their Temporary Protected Status. Call Catholic Charities at 631-789-5210 for more information.
