Granting of “Temporary Protected Status” an Important Step in U.S. Commitment to Recovery in Haiti

Catholics United executive director Chris Korzen issued the following statement today in response to the Obama Administration’s decision to grant Haitian refugees Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS allows refugees to work and live legally in the U.S. until conditions improve in their native country. Catholics United, along with various religious and human rights organizations, called on the Administration to issue today’s order. In just over 24 hours, the organization collected nearly 5,000 petition signatures in support of TPS protections.

“Catholics United applauds the Administration's decision to grant Haitians residing in the United States Temporary Protected Status. In this moment of great human suffering, today’s directive allowing Haitian refugees to stay demonstrates our nation's commitment to do everything in its power to ease the pain of the Haitian people.”

“We are grateful for the Administration's merciful response to this tragedy, and we look forward to the announcement of more humane policies like this one in the coming days, weeks, and months.”

On the Web:

Catholics United petition to President Obama – http://catholics-united.org/haiti-petition