As a Miami immigration lawyer and an Austin immigration lawyer, I read with interest that Gov. Rick Scott has pressed the Trump administration to back off on timeline that could result in the deportation of thousands of Haitians, many living in Florida. Below are some frequently asked questions.
What is TPS?TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. Haiti is one of 13 countries with a TPS designation. It was originally issued in 2011 after the country’s devastating earthquake, but it doesn’t cover Haitians who arrived after the initial registration period. The Obama administration late last year extended TPS to July 22, 2017. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
How many Haitian nationals are on TPS in the United States?
The latest federal data show about 50,000 Haitians with TPS. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
When did Gov. Rick Scott address the issue of extending TPS for Haitians with the immigration authorities?
Scott raised the issue in a meeting Thursday with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. “Temporary protected status” for Haitians expires in July and they could be expelled in January. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer or an Austin immigration lawyer.
What have other politicians said about extending TPS for Haitian nationals?
Late last month, Sen. Bill Nelson and 14 other Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging them to extend the protection. They were of the opinion that Haiti is ill-equipped to handle the return of the roughly 50,000 Haitian nationals currently receiving TPS. They welcomed the previous extension of TPS for Haitian nationals, and they believe the reports of widespread damage and destruction in Haiti make an extended TPS designation appropriate. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration attorney or an Austin immigration attorney.
Has President Trump ever addressed the Haitian community in Florida?
Yes. Trump courted the Haitian community during a visit to Miami in September. “Whether you vote for me or not, I really want to be your biggest champion,” Trump said.
If you would like more information on TPS, deportation defense, obtaining U.S. citizenship, or obtaining a green card, please contact Miami immigration lawyer and Austin immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at www.mmurraylaw.com.