Haitians Denied Temporary Immigration Protection

author Published by Chris Chmielenski

The Bush Administration has denied temporary protected status to Haitians already living in the United States illegally while the nation recovers from tropical storms. The request for temporary protected status came from Haitian President René Préval to allow tens of thousands of Haitians already in the United State illegally to stay until the island recovers.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff denied the request last month. In a letter to the Haitian president, Chertoff pointed to humanitarian aid provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and delayed deportations to help the nation recover.

In 1990, Congress approved temporary protected status for nations going through civil war or recovering from natural disasters. Haiti suffered four storms this past summer, killing hundreds and destroying an estimated 25 percent of their GDP.

In addition to citing the humanitarian aid given by the United States, Secretary Chertoff also made note of immigration-related steps that Haitian nationals can take to remain in the U.S. while Haiti recovers.

More information can be found on this story at the Boston Herald and the Miami Herald.

Take Action

Your voice counts! Let your Member of Congress know where you stand on immigration issues through the Action Board. Not a NumbersUSA member? Sign up here to get started.

Action Board

Donate Today!

NumbersUSA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that relies on your donations to works toward sensible immigration policies. NumbersUSA Education & Research Foundation is recognized by America's Best Charities as one of the top 3% of well-run charities.

Donate

Immigration Grade Cards

NumbersUSA provides the only comprehensive immigration grade cards. See how your member of Congress’ rates and find grades going back to the 104th Congress (1995-97).

Read More