Economic Sanctions and Compliance: Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status Extended for 18 Months
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension and redesignation of Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS), effective from August 4, 2024, to February 3, 2026. This decision is aimed at providing humanitarian relief to Haitian nationals who have been affected by the country’s ongoing crisis.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti
The TPS extension comes as a response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where several regions continue to face violence and insecurity, limiting access to basic necessities like:
- Safety
- Healthcare
- Food
- Water
Haiti is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding, mudslides, storms, and earthquakes, resulting in significant damage and urgent humanitarian needs.
Redesignation of Haiti for TPS
According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the redesignation of Haiti for TPS is necessary due to the extraordinary and temporary conditions that support the country’s designation. The move aims to provide humanitarian relief to Haitians already present in the United States, fulfilling the core objective of the TPS law.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for TPS under Haiti’s redesignation:
- Individuals must have established residence in the US on or before June 3, 2024
- They must have continued to reside in the US since then
Estimated 309,000 additional Haitian nationals or individuals who last habitually resided in Haiti are allowed to file initial applications for TPS if they meet eligibility criteria.
Re-Registration and Renewal of EADs
Current beneficiaries of TPS under Haiti’s initial designation must re-register during a 60-day period from July 1, 2024, through August 30, 2024, to retain their status and employment authorization. DHS has also automatically extended the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) previously issued under Haiti’s TPS designation until August 3, 2025.
Individuals with pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Haiti do not need to re-file their applications. USCIS will continue processing them and grant TPS through February 3, 2026, and receive an EAD valid until the same date.
Federal Register Notice
The Federal Register Notice provides details on eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures for re-registration and renewal of EADs.
Important Note
This extension does not apply to individuals who were not already in the United States on June 3, 2024. They will face removal if they do not establish a legal basis to stay.
Enforcement Efforts
The DHS has reiterated its commitment to enforcing US laws and policy throughout the Florida Straits and the Caribbean region, including the southwest border. The agency continues to remove or return non-citizens who attempt to cross illegally into the United States, with over 24,000 individuals removed or returned to more than 20 countries since the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule was issued in early June.
Conclusion
The extension of TPS for Haiti is a critical step towards providing humanitarian relief to Haitian nationals who have been affected by the country’s ongoing crisis. As the US continues to enforce its laws and policies, it is essential to ensure compliance with these measures while also addressing the urgent needs of those seeking refuge in the United States.