U.S. expands deportation relief to some 264,000 Haitians

6/12/2022 12:53

        The Biden administration will expand deportation relief and access to work permits for Haitians who are already in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on Monday, a move that comes as Haiti's government struggles to stabilize the country.
        
        The administration will offer Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to an estimated 264,000 Haitians for 18 months after the current designation expires in February.
        
        Of those, about 101,000 currently have the status and 53,000 have pending applications, according to DHS. Another 110,000 more recent arrivals would also be covered by the new extension move.
        
        TPS provides deportation protection and permission to work to foreigners who cannot return to their home countries due to natural disasters, armed conflicts or other extraordinary factors.
        
        Armed gangs in Haiti have expanded their power in the country following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Since then, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has faced challenges restoring order. The United States first designated Haiti for TPS in 2010 following an earthquake that devastated the island nation.