Thousands of Haitian families in South Florida have been granted a temporary reprieve after the federal government extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for two more weeks.
TPS had been set to expire on July 10, but the federal government announced the protections will remain in place until July 24, allowing Haitians covered under TPS to continue living and working legally in the United States while the legal fight over the program continues.
Background
TPS was first granted to Haitians following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Advocates estimate about 158,000 Haitians in Florida are protected under the program, with many working in health care, hospitality, and other essential industries.
Anxious advocates held rallies and lobbying efforts all week urging Congress to preserve protections for Haitian immigrants. Many Haitian TPS holders say they fear returning to a country plagued by gang violence and political instability.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
