Human Rights First Celebrates Biden Administration’s Announcement Extending and Redesignating Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

Human Rights First commends today’s announcement from Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas of the June 3, 2024 decision to extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti for 18 months until February 3, 2026. This decision will benefit hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the United States and is the result of tireless advocacy led by Haitian-American groups. Human Rights First was proud to stand with these groups and many others, along with Members of Congress, to urge the United States to take this important step. 

“This redesignation and extension will save lives and provide some critical temporary protections for Haitians in the United States,” said Eleanor Acer, Senior Director for Refugee Protection at Human Rights First. “The Biden administration should also heed the calls of the UN Refugee Agency and halt deportations to Haiti due to the life-threatening dangers facing people in Haiti. Haitians have long suffered discriminatory treatment under U.S. migration policies. U.S. leaders should continue to take necessary steps to correct course and save lives.”

As noted in the DHS announcement, TPS will only apply to Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of June 3, 2024 and it does not apply to any Haitian nationals who arrive in the United States after June 3, 2024. The announcement will allow Haitians already living in the United States to remain here for a limited time and to work legally, and is an essential component of broader U.S. efforts to aid Haiti during this difficult time.

Human Rights First urges the Biden administration to halt any planned removal flights to Haiti and to release any detained Haitians to allow eligible individuals and families to pursue TPS. Further, we urge the administration to take other steps to protect Haitians, including to: 

• increase the availability of parole for Haitians, and address access deficiencies; 
• suspend removals and maritime returns to Haiti given the grave safety and security situation and related United Nations calls for non-return; 
• ensure those interdicted at sea are afforded crucial screenings and meaningful opportunity to speak to counsel, if desired; and 
• abandon any plans to use Guantanamo Bay or other locations to detain or hold Haitians interdicted at sea, and instead ensure prompt access to U.S. territory, asylum and other protection pathways, including for people with U.S. family and/or other ties. 

To speak with Eleanor Acer or other experts at Human Rights First, please contact [email protected].