This evening, the Trump Administration terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living in the U.S. This decision affects 50,000 people, including approximately 5,200 individuals in New York. The Administration has granted an 18 month grace period for this decision to take effect, with the program officially ending in July 2019.
Temporary Protected Status is a designation afforded to nationals of countries all over the globe experiencing humanitarian crisis such as violent conflict, environmental disasters, or epidemics that would prevent nationals from returning safely. As of today, there are an estimated 325,000 TPS recipients living in the United States, representing ten TPS-designated countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Over 30,000 TPS recipients reside in New York, including 16,200 Salvadorans, 4,600 Hondurans, and 5,200 Haitians.
"The Trump administration's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 50,000 Haitians living in the United States is cruel and shameful. America will not be greater or safer by ending this program and attempting to deport those who have made their lives here and are part of the state's economic and social fabric. We will work with our legal partners to make sure Haitian New Yorkers do not lose their ability to work before July 2019. We urge our communities not to panic and to consult with a lawyer at their earliest ability," said Steven Choi, Executive Director for The New York Immigration Coalition.
Current work permits continue to be valid until the date on them. DHS will be publishing more information soon about how Haitians can reapply for TPS and work permission one last time to be able to work until July 2019 and we will circulate that information as soon as we have it. Lawyers are discussing the best ways to get services to help Haitian communities do so and be screened to see if they qualify for anything else. We urge everyone to see a lawyer or reach out to a trusted source of information on where to get services if unsure. Individuals can call the New York State New American hotline at 1-800-566-7636 if they need a referral or to report fraud.
The New York Immigration Coalition is encouraging supporters of TPS to call their congressional representatives at 202-224-3121 to demand a permanent legislative solution.
