The United States have decided to extend for 18 months the federal program Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, allowing evacuees from the January 2010 earthquake to leave Haiti for an 18-month period to live and work in the U.S. without documentation. This program which normally was to expire on July 22, is extended from July 23, 2011 until January 22, 2013, said Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

"...the United States has remained fully committed to upholding our responsibility to assist individuals affected by this tragedy by using tools available under the law," declared the Secretary Napolitano in a stetement issued this morning. "Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who are currently in the United States and whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this administration's continuing efforts to support Haiti's recovery."

Secretary Napolitano also made an important revision to the TPS rules "immigrants who were in the United States illegally before the quake struck, and up to one year after the quake, as of January 12, 2011, will also be able to obtain TPS."

Haitians who are not currently in the United States will not qualify for TPS and should not attempt to enter the United States, has clarified the Department of Homeland Security.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2959-haiti-usa-thousands-of-haitians-fear-to-be-forced-to-return-to-haiti.html

HL/ HaïtiLibre