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ICE halts deportation to Haiti |
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Sunday, 28 September 2008 |
With Haiti, the poorest nation in the hemisphere still reeling from the onslaught of four storms, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is temporarily halting deportations to that country.
ICE spokeswoman Barbara Gonzalez told the Associated Press Friday, “When we it’s appropriate to resume, we’ll notify the members of Congress. There are no imminent removals to Haiti. We are aware of the situation – no removals are scheduled or planned.”
The announcement comes as a relief to a number of Haitian nationals who were slated for deportation to their home country as it struggles with regrouping with hundreds of thousands still homeless and a growing need for more international help.
Despite US Congresswoman Evette Clarke and Congressman Alcee Hastings and Kendrick Meek consistent appeals to Congress to grant Temporary Protective Status to Haitians, most of those who flee their country for the US have been turned back.
TPS is usually given to immigrants whose countries are experiencing armed conflict or environmental disasters. They are allowed to stay and work legally in the US for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 18 months.
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