The Notice Allows Haitians in the U.S. on or before July 29, 2021 to Apply for TPS
Contact: Bethelhem T. Negash, bethelhem@undocublack.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC, July 30, 2021: The UndocuBlack Network welcomes the long anticipated publication of the Haitian TPS Federal Register Notice (FRN) today, which allows Haitians who are already in the United States on or before July 29, 2021 to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
On May 21, 2021 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the redesignation of TPS for Haiti with the official FRN publication pending. TPS for Haiti will potentially benefit over 155,000 Haitian nationals. Haitians applying for TPS will be able to file applications for TPS and employment authorizations online by creating a USCIS account.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has previously redesignated TPS for Haiti for an 18-month period from August 3, 2021 until February 3, 2023. Haitians with TPS during this period will be protected from deportation and will have the ability to obtain employment authorization. The fees for the TPS application and employment authorization application remain the same as before, and fee waivers are available for those with financial hardship.
The UndocuBlack Network encourages applicants, both new TPS applicants or those currently holding TPS for Haiti, to apply immediately during this open period in order to benefit from the protection for as much of the 18-months period as possible.
Breanne Palmer, Interim Policy & Advocacy Director said: “UndocuBlack Network welcomes the news of the publication of the FRN for TPS for Haiti. In the two months since the Biden Administration announced the redesignation of TPS for Haiti, our Haitian undocumented family has waited with bated breath to learn how they can apply for continued protection. Given the ongoing turmoil Haitians on the island are experiencing, we are relieved that members of the diaspora can count on at least 18 more months of protection from deportation. However, this is another reminder that temporary protections for our Black immigrant community are wholly inadequate. Now is the time for Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for DED holders, TPS holders, DACA recipients, and all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Our community’s needs are more urgent than ever, and Congress and the Biden Administration must deliver on its campaign promises.”
###
