THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE

THE U.S. COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS URGES CONGRESS AND THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO IMMEDIATELY GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO HAITIANS DUE TO THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE

In light of the tragic earthquake in Haiti, The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) urges the Obama Administration and Congress to grant Haitians who are currently in the United States, including children not accompanied by their parents, Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Haitians cannot return safely to their country of origin due to the extensive damaged caused by the January 12th earthquake.

“Our hearts go out to the Haitian people as they struggle with the devastation brought by this earthquake.  I applaud President Obama’s immediate response directing military and civilian assistance to help people who have survived this tragedy.  USCRI urges the President to extend this generosity to Haitians in the U.S. who are anxiously awaiting information about family left behind and cannot return due to the destruction,” said Lavinia Limon, President and CEO of USCRI.

TPS is a temporary immigration status, ranging from 6 to 18 months, which allows the foreign national to stay and work in the United States.  It does not lead to permanent residency. TPS may be granted in situations where there are extraordinary and temporary conditions in the home country that prevent nationals from returning safely.  Earthquakes in other countries resulted in TPS grants in the past.

Already, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary John Morton have halted the removals of Haitians.  This is a good first step and now TPS should be granted.

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is a Washington, DC area based nonprofit organization, dedicated to addressing the needs and rights of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of refugees and immigrants in community life.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, 2231 Crystal Drive Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22202-3711, (703) 310-1130, www.Refugees.org