Since a massive earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, the United States government has extended provisional protected status to approximately 60,000 Haitian nationals, who were permitted to live and work in America. Although the economic and humanitarian conditions in Haiti are still poor, the Trump administration has decided to end this protected status, with immigration law officials ordering beneficiaries of the program to leave the country by July 2019 or face deportation.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals was previously extended in May for a period of six months and was set to expire in January. Although the Haitian government requested another extension from the Trump administration, noting the nation is heavily dependent on money sent back by foreign nationals, the government has decided conditions in the nation have improved enough to end the TPS program.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the number of displaced citizens inside Haiti has dropped dramatically, and enough progress has been made to allow citizens to begin returning to their country of origin. This decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to tighten immigration controls and limit the number of foreign nationals residing in the United States. In recent months, the government has ended TPS protection for Nicaraguans and other groups, and there is considerable pressure within the administration to continue the trend.

As one of New York City’s most accomplished legal firms, Berd & Klauss, PLLC has helped individuals from around the world navigate the complexities of immigration law. If you or a loved one has had their TPS status withdrawn, this skilled team will identify any legal remedies available and recommend the best path forward. Visit their website to learn more about their experience in immigration law, or call (212) 461-7152 to schedule a consultation.