By Jovani Davis
(Source: CNW)
A senior Haitian Catholic bishop has appealed directly to US President Donald Trump to reconsider the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, warning that the crisis-stricken Caribbean nation remains unsafe for deportees.
Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau-Miragoâne, who also serves as vice president of Haiti’s Episcopal Conference, made the appeal in a letter to Trump amid concerns over forced returns of Haitian nationals from the United States.
“The question is: Is Haiti really a country today to which someone can be sent back without concern? Reality gives us a dramatic answer,” Dumas told Vatican News.
TPS allows nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions to temporarily live and work in the United States when returning home would be considered unsafe.
In his letter, Dumas urged the Trump administration to reconsider the situation facing Haitians affected by the termination of their protections.
“Mr President, we respectfully ask you to reconsider the situation of Haitians affected by the termination of TPS and to use every legal and humanitarian means available to prevent forced returns as long as Haiti remains in such a condition of grave instability and danger,” he wrote.
Dumas highlighted the contributions Haitian TPS holders have made to the United States, noting that many have established families and deep ties to their communities.
“Haitian TPS beneficiaries work, pay taxes, raise their children, serve their churches and communities, and contribute to American society every day,” he said. “Many of them are mothers and fathers of children born in the United States who are American citizens.”
The bishop stressed that his appeal was not a call for the United States to abandon immigration enforcement or border controls but for authorities to take Haiti’s humanitarian and security conditions into account.
“We are not asking the United States to abandon its laws. We are not asking the United States to give up border security,” Dumas wrote. “We are asking the United States to apply its laws with humanity when human lives are at stake.”
Haiti continues to grapple with widespread gang violence, political instability and a humanitarian crisis that has displaced large numbers of people and left many communities struggling to access basic services.
Dumas said those conditions make the prospect of returning Haitians to the country particularly concerning, calling on the US government to prevent forced repatriations while the security situation remains dangerous.
