•  It only applies to those who were living in the US before January 12, 2010.

•  It does not provide a path to permanent residency. It is intended to be temporary.

•  The current TPS term will expire on July 22, 2011.  When the term expires, the US government can decide not to extend it.

•  Some Haitians who qualify for TPS are afraid to apply, because they fear exposing themselves to immigration authorities could lead to deportation.

•  Earthquake refugees are not eligible for TPS, and many are here on visitor’s visas.

Why are visitor’s visas wrong for earthquake refugees?

•  Visitors visas do not permit their holders to obtain employment authorization.

•  Once the visas expire, some people only have tents to go home to; others will choose to overstay, and live in fear.

What kind of immigration relief do earthquake refugees need?

•  Refugees of the earthquake should be entitled to on-going medical care, treatment for psychological trauma, the chance to continue their education, and work eligibility.

•  Haitian immigrants should be offered immigration relief with a path to permanent residency – through the Cuban/Haitian Entrant program or an extension of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act.

On December 9, 2010, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced that it will resume deportations of Haitian nationals in criminal proceedings, in spite of worsening post – earthquake conditions in Haiti.