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The government of U.S. President Donald Trump revoked the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than half a million Haitians residing in the country on Friday.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, justified the decision by arguing that this immigration benefit has been "exploited and abused" for "decades," cited the news agency EFE.
In a statement, Noem accused President Joe Biden of extending TPS for Haiti beyond what is "justified or necessary" in order to constrain the decisions of the Trump administration.
As a result of this measure, TPS for Haiti will expire on August 3, putting more than 520,000 Haitian migrants in a vulnerable situation, as they will be left without legal status and at risk of deportation.
TPS is a temporary immigration benefit granted by the U.S. government to citizens of countries experiencing emergencies, such as armed conflicts or natural disasters.
This status allows beneficiaries to live and work legally in the country without fear of deportation.
In 2021, President Biden decided to extend TPS for Haiti -which was established following the devastating earthquake in 2010- citing the "humanitarian challenges" that the Caribbean country faces, such as widespread violence, food shortages, and lack of access to basic services like water and healthcare.
This decision comes shortly after the Trump administration also announced the end of the TPS for Venezuelans, which heightens tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
It is worth remembering that during his presidential campaign, Donald Trump launched attacks against Haitian migrants, even falsely accusing them of committing violent acts, such as the alleged consumption of pets in the city of Springfield, Ohio.
The measure represents a new turn in the immigration policy of the United States, in the context of an increasing debate about the future of migrants and temporary protection policies.
Frequently asked questions about the revocation of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the U.S.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and why is it important for Haitians in the U.S.?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration benefit granted by the United States government to citizens of countries facing emergency situations, such as armed conflicts or natural disasters. This status allows beneficiaries to live and work legally in the country without the fear of deportation. For Haitians, it has been crucial due to the severe humanitarian crises they have faced in their home country.
What are the consequences of the revocation of TPS for Haitians?
The revocation of TPS for Haitians puts more than 520,000 migrants at risk of losing their legal status and facing deportation. As TPS expires on August 3, these individuals will lose their protection and will have to seek other legal avenues to remain in the U.S. or face potential deportation proceedings.
Why did the Trump administration decide to revoke TPS for Haiti?
The Trump administration, through Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, argued that TPS had been "exploited and abused" for decades. Noem accused President Joe Biden of extending TPS beyond what was "justified or necessary," in order to limit the decisions made by the Trump Administration. This decision reflects a stricter approach to immigration policy.
What options do Haitians affected by the revocation of TPS have?
Haitians affected by the TPS revocation should seek legal advice to explore other immigration options, such as applying for asylum if they meet the necessary criteria. It is crucial that they act quickly to avoid falling into an irregular immigration status and facing potential deportations. Additionally, they should stay alert to any policy changes that may offer new opportunities for regularization.
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