PHR Action Center

Take action today — tell the US government to provide Temporary Protected Status to Haitian immigrants in the US in the wake of the devastating earthquake there that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left the country in ruin.

Temporary protected status (TPS) is granted by the United States to eligible nationals of countries that cannot safely return to their homelands because of armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Haiti clearly fits this description.

Given Haiti's lack of capacity to safely accept any returnees at this time, the Administration should take the next step and grant TPS on an expedited basis to Haitians who are in the US at this time and are in need of protection. Granting TPS will allow Haiti to focus on recovery and disaster relief without the additional difficulty of dealing with potentially homeless returnees.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I want to thank the US government for its generous pledge of aid to the devastated country. While I urge the government to remain focused on immediate humanitarian efforts, I also urge you to provide Temporary Protected Status to Haitians currently in the United States without delay.

Temporary protected status (TPS) is granted by the United States to eligible nationals of countries that cannot safely return to their homelands because of armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Haiti clearly fits this description. The earthquake has devastated Haiti, leaving little for immigrants to go back to: no shelter, no food, no water, no medical services and no infrastructure.

Halting the deportation of 30,000 Haitians is an excellent first step. I believe that, given Haiti's lack of capacity to safely accept any returnees at this time, the Administration should grant TPS on an expedited basis to Haitians who are in the US at this time and are in need of protection.

Granting TPS will allow Haiti to focus on recovery and disaster relief without the additional difficulty of dealing with potentially homeless returnees. Please act today and help Haitians, both those struggling to survive in the earthquake ravaged Caribbean and those here in the United States.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
January 15, 2010