TPS extended 18 months for Haitians, advocates call for ‘long-term’ solution

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended and redesignated for Haiti for another 18 months due to “extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti”, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced Friday. The designation is for Haitians already in the United States and allows an estimated 309,000 additional Haitians to file applications for TPS.

“Extending and redesignating TPS is the right course of action considering that TPS-eligible individuals contribute nearly $31 billion annually to the U.S. economy,” said Guerline Jozef, executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. “[However], a long-term solution is urgently needed to provide stability and security for these individuals who have already proven to be vital members of our communities and economy.”

The redesignation of Haiti for TPS permits individuals who established residence in the United States on or before June 3, 2024, to apply for protection. Eligible individuals can submit an application from July 1, 2024, through February 3, 2026. Applicants may also seek Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and travel authorization. 

Those who were not residing in the U.S. by the June 3, 2024 deadline are ineligible and will face removal to Haiti if they do not establish a legal basis to stay. Current beneficiaries must re-register between July 1, 2024, and August 30, 2024, to retain their TPS through February 3, 2026.

Haiti is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by violence, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services for several communities. Armed gangs control significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince.  The arrival of Kenyan troops on June 25 aims to provide some relief and stability. Despite these efforts, the situation remains critical, with widespread displacement and suffering.

“We are providing this humanitarian relief to Haitians already present in the United States given the conditions that existed in their home country as of June 3, 2024,” stated Mayorkas. “In doing so, we are realizing the core objective of the TPS law and our obligation to fulfill it.”

TPS for Haitians was initially designated following the 2010 earthquake. Since then, it has been extended multiple times due to persistent instability and natural disasters. This latest extension underscores the ongoing challenges facing Haiti.

“Haitian TPS recipients contribute $4.4 billion to the American economy in 2022,” said Jozef. “However, this is only a temporary measure. I call on the U.S. Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that would create a pathway to permanent protection for all TPS recipients. It’s time for our leaders to recognize their contributions and ensure they have the opportunity to integrate and thrive in the United States fully.”

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