NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK’S STATEMENT ON DEPORTATION OF HAITIAN NATIONALS

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Nov 21, 2017

Contact:
Rachel Noerdlinger, [email protected]
Ross Adair, [email protected]
Phone: 212-681-1380

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK’S STATEMENT ON DEPORTATION OF HAITIAN NATIONALS

The National Action Network vehemently disagrees with the deportation of thousands of Haitian nationals and their families without regard to its implications.

Prior to the November 23, 2017 deadline, instead of fully extending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for an additional 18 months, this administration is canceling protections for thousands of families recovering from devastation and untenable living conditions — families who legally live and work in the United States.

Now America turns a blind eye to its promise to provide a safeguard to those all over the world who seek refuge. Families will return to an immigration status they previously held, facing possible detention and deportation. Haiti is a textbook case for granting an 18-month extension due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, the cholera epidemic, and an incomplete earthquake recovery effort.

In 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, resulting in an injury toll of 300,000, and more than 316,000 dead or missing. President Obama granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians, allowing them to flee the devastation and to live and work legally in the United States. TPS holders have been essential in strengthening the Haitian economy, and have also contributed significantly to the U.S. economy.

In addition, these actions contradict the goals set by the recently passed United States Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016, a law focused on increased engagement with Caribbean governments and the Caribbean diaspora communities in the United States. Purging immigrants of color is another skewed and ignorant attempt by this administration to ignore constructive pathways to immigration reform. The threat of deportation has cast a shadow over Thanksgiving for tens of thousands of Haitians living in the United States. We will continue to fight this issue with a swift eye towards justice.