Deportations to Haiti have been halted and now the Department of Homeland Security has granted Haitians currently in the U.S. without documentation Temporary Protected Status or TPS. TPS not only allows the undocumented to stay in the U.S. but also allows them to get work permits, which for many Haitians on this side of the horrific earthquake is priority so that they can aid those back in Haiti.

However, TPS isn’t free and it sure as hell isn’t the “amnesty” that so many anti-migrant folks are claiming it to be. Federal filing fees total almost $500, including a $340 TPS-related work permit and $80 fingerprint fee. The TPS offered to Haitians is only applicable to Haitians who were in the U.S. before January 12, the day of the earthquake. Haitians in the U.S. after that date are not covered and could be deported as soon as the U.S. drops the temporary stay. TPS holders cannot become permanent U.S. residents or U.S. citizens and is good for 18 months.

Anti-immigrant organizations like Numbers USA, Americans for Legal Immigration PAC and the Center for Immigration Studies , who continue to be quoted as legitimate organizations as opposed to the hate groups they really are, have expressed concern that TPS status will be extended as it has been for people from other countries. They are itching to deport people and not open the U.S. to more people of color. My guess is that had this disaster happened somewhere in Europe, they would be singing a different tune. Pero, if such a disaster happened in Europe, the results would not be the same, as Haiti has struggled against colonialism, and strangling neo-liberal economic policies. Hmm maybe there should be TPS for that. Never one to let an opportunity for cheap labor get passed them, anti-migrant politicians like Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa said in a written statement:

…if they are deported, Haiti is in great need of relief workers and many of them could be a big help to their fellow Haitians.

And TPS isn’t for everyone. Jean Montrevil, a legal U.S resident from Haiti currently in ICE detention and slated for deportation due to a 1989 drug conviction, can’t be deported now but will be as soon as the stay is lifted. From a statement released by the New Sanctuary Movement:

Montrevil entered the U.S. from Haiti in 1986 as a legal permanent resident. Homeland Security is trying to deport him to Haiti for a 1989 drug conviction, for which Montrevil already served 11 years. He has kept a clean record ever since. Still detained in Pennsylvania’s York County Prison, Montrevil’s thoughts and prayers were with the people of Haiti. Montrevil’s lawyers have still not heard anything from ICE regarding whether he will be released.

“I just don’t get it. Either there is a disaster in Haiti that we shouldn’t send people back to or there isn’t.” Montrevil’s wife Janay Montrevil stated. “Shouldn’t relief apply to everyone? What do I tell my kids? Even though some of your aunties and uncles may have died, and Haiti is ruined they still can’t let your Daddy come home because they might want to send him there. This immigration system is completely wrecked.”

Via / The Miami Herald, Fox News