Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Their Push, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Extends Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Nationals Residing in U.S.

Press Release

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, after their push, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has agreed extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals currently residing in the United States. The TPS designation is a temporary benefit aimed at providing relief to foreign nationals in the United States and countries devastated by natural disasters. It allows Haitian nationals, now in the country, to stay in the U.S. for a set period of time while their home nation recovers. The TPS for Haitian nationals was set to expire on July 22 but will now be extended by six months to January 18th, 2018.

"As Haiti continues to recover from Hurricane Matthew, Haitian nationals currently residing in the United States need access to a Temporary Protected Status that will protect those in danger of being deported to a devastated country," said Senator Schumer. "I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security heeded my call by extending TPS by six months. This extension is a commonsense and humane action that will help remove a burden of worry from Haitian nationals as their home country continues to recover and I will continue to fight for future extensions until Haiti is fully recovered."

"I am pleased that Temporary Protected Status will be extended for Haitian nationals," said Senator Gillibrand. "These families are here seeking protection after escaping famine and disease in the wake of Hurricane Matthew's devastation, and there is no doubt that this program has saved many lives. I was proud to fight to make sure that Temporary Protected Status for these families would be extended, so they can continue to be protected here while Haiti recovers and rebuilds."

The TPS designation is implemented through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is a temporary benefit aimed at providing relief to immigrants residing in the United States who are unable to safely return to their home country. TPS can be granted in the event of an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster as well as other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

Once granted TPS, individuals may not be deported, can obtain an employment authorization document and may be granted travel authorization. In addition, individuals cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of their immigration status.

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