A last-minute court order has moved the deadline for the expiration of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Haitians to Monday, July 27. The Department of Homeland Security had aimed to end TPS, but the court declined and will issue its orders on Monday.

Local Impact

Local political and immigration advocates came together to discuss the legal and political options for the hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries who are at risk of being in legal limbo. They argue that Haiti remains a violent country gripped by a security crisis, with gangs controlling many areas of the island nation.

The U.S. Department of State has a level four do not travel advisory for Haiti, citing the high risk of crime and kidnapping. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security had aimed to end TPS, which would have left many beneficiaries without a clear path forward.

Political Response

U.S. House Republicans in the Senate blocked a democratic attempt to extend TPS for 350,000 Haitians on Wednesday night. However, Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez expressed his support for extending TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans, citing the dire circumstances in both countries.

"I would love for the administration to extend TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans," he said. "TPS was made for that. You're sending people back to a failed state and you're sending people back to a country that's just been devastated by a natural disaster. And so that's exactly what TPS is for, right?"

Immigration experts are recommending that those who are about to lose TPS find an attorney and get their affairs in order, including family preparedness items such as guardianship and power of attorney.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.