On November 20, 2017 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. TPS is a temporary, renewable, and statutorily-authorized humanitarian migration program that permits individuals to remain and work lawfully in the U.S. during a period in which it is deemed unsafe for nationals of that country to return home. There are an estimated 50,000 Haitian TPS recipients living in the U.S.
The Daughters of Charity of the United States of America issue the following statement in response:
As Daughters of Charity of the USA, we have walked with frightened, displaced people who remained in America after their countries were struck by disaster. We have assisted Haitian and other TPS holders in their struggles to rebuild their lives, find meaningful work, and raise their families in our country. They have become prominent business people, service workers and tax paying neighbors. As such, we are saddened by the Administration’s decision to terminate TPS for more than 50,000 Haitians.
Termination of the Haitian TPS program will unnecessarily devastate Haitian families, harm our communities, and overload stressed communities in Haiti. Contributing members of our communities will be forced out, many facing the decision whether to leave their American born children behind. In addition, the Daughters of Charity who live and serve in Haiti share with us that conditions in Haiti are currently unsafe and unstable. Since Haiti suffered a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010, subsequent catastrophic environmental events and disease outbreaks have hampered recovery efforts.
As Luke, the gospel evangelist reminds us, “…Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” Luke 12:48 The U.S. is a blessed, generous country and Americans have always reached into our surplus of resources, compassion and justice to provide for others who have suffered incomparable losses. We should continue to illustrate the well-practiced American value of generosity when more is being asked of us.
The Daughters of Charity implore Congress to find a legislative solution for long-term TPS recipients and enact compassionate legislation that honors the value of family unity. Our prayers and continued support are with the Haitian people who have deep ties to our communities, parishes, and country.
The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of the United States of America comprises two Provinces with sisters serving in health care, education and social services.
For more information about this and other social justice positions of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul -USA contact: Sister Margaret Louise Brown, D.C., at srmlbrown@doc1633.org.