WASHINGTON – The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians was announced Friday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
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According to a news release issued by the Department of Homeland Security, the TPS designation for Haiti expires Aug. 3 and the termination will be effective Tuesday, Sept. 2.
“At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation,” the news release stated.
DHS officials said Noem met with various interagency partners before determining that conditions in Haiti “no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements.”
“This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. “The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home. We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department’s resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app. Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.”
According to the news release, Noem’s decision was based on a “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Haiti and in consultation with the Department of State.”
“The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Haitians can return home in safety,” the news release stated. “She further determined that permitting Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.”
DHS officials said Haitian nationals who plan to return home are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the U.S.