The status of Haitians who are in the United States needs immediate attention.
The White House is "pausing" deportations of Haitian refugees. The next step is to grant Haitians the immigration protections offered to victims of war or disaster - what is known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This status is granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to refugees who cannot safely return to their home country because of armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
This policy change has been taken before - in El Salvador, Honduras, Somalia and Sudan. And unlike so many other issues, the president can do it himself. This will protect them from forcible deportation back to Haiti, allow them to work legally and start the process of rebuilding and healing. Just fill out the form to the right to sign the petition.
PETITION
We, the undersigned, urge President Obama to grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitian refugees in the United States so they do not face deportation.
On Friday, January 15, 2009, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that Temporary Protected Status was granted to Haitian refugees living in the United States.
Thank you to the 4,812 Catholics United members who participated in this petition campaign in just over 24 hours. You can read more about the Administration's decision here.
I hope the President acts
I hope the President acts quickly to help these poor people.