Haitians have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on Saturday by the Biden administration, announced by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
The status has been granted for 18-months and takes away the threat of deportation for Haitian nationals residing in the United States.
“Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a statement.
“After careful consideration, we determined that we must do what we can to support Haitian nationals in the United States until conditions in Haiti improve so they may safely return home.”
Close to 2,000 Haitian immigrants have been deported since February. The status could allow more than 100,000 Haitian immigrants to legally stay in the county for up to 18 months.
It is important to note that the application for TPS will only be allowed for those residing in the U.S. as of May 21, 2021, who meet all other requirements. Those who travel to the U.S. after that time will not be eligible.