By CGTN’s Steve Mort
The US government has been mulling whether to extend temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants.
The decision is expected to affect roughly 50,000 Haitians living in the US under the program, which protects them from deportation. More than 300,000 people from 13 countries have TPS, granted due to war, natural disasters or other crises preventing them returning home.
The Obama administration granted the status to Haitians following the 2010 earthquake in the country. But immigration officials now say conditions there have improved, and have been recommending TPS for Haitians be terminated.
Haitian nationals apply for temporary protected status (TPS) in New York City on January 30, 2010. /VCG Photo
Nermose Richemon is living in the US with TPS, which gives her legal rights to stay and work there. She uses part of the money she earns to buy goods to send to her family in Haiti.
But Richemon fears the US government will not renew TPS for Haitians when it expires in July. After undergoing three eye surgeries, she said she won’t be able to visit the doctor if she is forced to return.
US immigration officials said conditions in Haiti, more than seven years after the earthquake, no longer justify extending TPS for Haitians.
Meanwhile, immigration officials are reportedly examining data on crimes committed by Haitians in the US, as the government weighs its decision on extending their right to stay. The Trump administration is expected to issue a decision by May 23.
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