Rockland Lawmakers, Advocates Are Helping Haitians As Temporary Status End Looms

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Dozens of Haitians in Rockland County, among nearly 60,000 living in the United States, have just weeks to re-register for a federal program granting them the right to live and work in America for another six months. A free clinic is scheduled Friday in Spring Valley to help people understand the law and apply for the extension. Tuesday, the Rockland County Legislature passed a resolution calling for the program to be extended 18 to 24 months.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status for Haitians affected by the 2010 earthquake only until January, when the displaced persons could be forced to leave – permanently.

Despite the ongoing challenges in Haiti — the earthquake killed around 300,000 and devastated the country, and more recently, the nation has dealt with a deadly cholera outbreak, as well as Hurricane Matthew struck last October — Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has stated that he sees the TPS for Haitians as nearing an end and that they should use the next six months to settle their affairs and prepare for a return to their country.

The re-registration process for the six-month extension began May 24 and ends July 24.

In an effort to assist these refugees, a number of outreach programs are planned, including one Friday held by Catholic Charities of Rockland, which will assist people with the re-registration process and train volunteers to do the same.

The Rockland County Legislature voted Tuesday on a resolution that supports extending the status period from just six months to 18 to 24 months and also backs the re-registration efforts. The sponsors were Legislators Nancy Low-Hogan, Toney L. Earl and Jay Hood Jr.

“Given the conditions in Haiti, it is just wrong to consider forcing people to return there at this time,” Low-Hogan said. “Trying to get so many people to re-register for TPS in such a short period is difficult at best, but I urge all Haitians who came as part of TPS to get re-registered immediately.”

The information session and free legal clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 23 at St. Joseph’s Church, 245 N. Main St. in Spring Valley. Free application assistance will be provided for Haitian nationals needing to re-register for Temporary Protected Status, as well as free immigration legal consultations. Appointments are required. Call 646-794-3064 or email CCCSCommClinics@gmail.com for more information or to register.

“Complying with this legal process is key to being able to stay for the next six months,” said Hood, who is an attorney. “I urge everyone to get re-registered and we will work on getting the Temporary Protected Status extended during the next months.”

Catholic Charities Community Services of New York’s Immigrant & Refugee Services Division Director C. Mario Russell said that for generations, immigrants and refugees have brought their talent, energy, hope, and faith to our communities and neighborhoods.

“Catholic Charities has long committed to helping all newcomers, especially those most in need who are fleeing violence, abuse, or deprivation, because we believe in the inherent dignity of each person and in achieving a just and compassionate society,” Russell said. "We stand by our Haitian brothers and sisters, and we will continue to offer them our legal and human support. We are better because immigrants have made New York their home, and we are better when laws and policies support them."

The U.S. granted and extended "Temporary Protected Status" (TPS) to Haitian immigrants who arrived in the country before 2011 through a series of past actions. In August 2015, the U.S. once again extended its TPS designation for Haitians, until July 22, 2017; it has now been extended again until Jan. 22, 2018.

The TPS designation let those individuals stay and work in the U.S. while also sending home money (or "remittances"). And that accounts for 25 percent of Haiti's gross domestic product, according to NY Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who represents a large Haitian community in Flatbush.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security began in May to search for information on crime committed by Haitian immigrants, according to the Associated Press. Requesting criminal data for a specific group of immigrants from a single country is an unusual move, and such data is not typically used to assess protected status.

Homeland Security chief Kelly talked with Haitian President Jovenel Moise in late May and told him to start thinking about how to bring the TPS recipients back, according to the Miami Herald.

“TPS was granted based on the [2010] earthquake,” Kelly was quoted by the Miami Herald as saying. It should not, he said, have “to remain in place until Haiti is a completely functioning economy with no problems.”

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, "During this 6-month extension, beneficiaries are encouraged to prepare for their return to Haiti in the event Haiti’s designation is not extended again, including requesting updated travel documents from the government of Haiti. At least 60 days before Jan. 22, 2018, Secretary Kelly will re-evaluate the designation for Haiti and will determine whether another extension, a re-designation, or a termination is warranted, in full compliance of the Immigration and Nationality Act."