Congressman Al Green applauds the Administration’s decision to grant Temporary Protection Status to the citizens of Haiti who were in the U.S. before the earthquake

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By Congressman Al Green -

Washington (DC) – January 16, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today Congressman Al Green (TX-09) applauded the Obama Administration after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. This will allow eligible Haitian nationals to continue living and working in the United States for the next 18 months.

Yesterday, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, issued an official statement expressing that the earthquake in Haiti is a “disaster of historic proportions.” Napolitano added the decision to grant TPS is part of the Administration’s continuing efforts to support Haiti’s recovery.

Congressman Al Green, who co-sponsored legislation to designate Haiti eligible for Temporary Protected Status, said: “We thank President Obama for granting Temporary Protected Status to Haitian citizens in our great country. I and many of my colleagues had requested it. A great nation does not force people to return to conditions that are unsafe and detrimental to their well being. A great nation extends the hand of friendship to its neighbors during times of challenge and crisis.”

TPS is typically extended to immigrants from countries where sudden conflict or disaster has prevented them from returning safely. El Salvador, Honduras, Somalia, and Nicaragua are countries whose nationals are covered by this designation in the United States. In the case of Haiti, DHS’s decision could benefit 100,000 immigrants and it would allow them to work legally.

On Wednesday, U.S. immigration officials temporarily halted the removal of some 30,000 illegal Haitians awaiting deportation. France, Canada, and the Dominican Republic are taking similar steps to ease their immigrations rules in light of the disaster.

Contact:
Alvaro ‘Al’ Ortiz
Press Secretary
Congressman Al Green, 9th District-Texas
United States House of Representatives
3003 South Loop West, Suite 460
Houston, TX 77054
Office Phone: 713-383-9321
Cellular Phone: 202-527-1109
Fax: 713-383-9202
Email: Alvaro.Ortiz (at) mail.house (dot) gov
http://www.house.gov/algreen/

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Congressman Al Green
http://www.house.gov/algreen/

On January 4, 2007 U.S. Representative Al Green took the oath of office to serve the people of Texas’ 9th Congressional District and began his second term in the United States House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights advocate, he has dedicated his life to fighting for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard.

Congressman Green’s chief legislative priority for the 110th Congress is creating a Federal Living Wage. As the Democratic Whip for Region 6 and one of the newest members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Green is dedicated to increasing U.S. port and border security and reducing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee where he continues his fight to eliminate insurance, housing and lender practices that have historically victimized low and moderate income communities. Additionally, Congressman Green remains committed to increasing the levels affordable housing and ensuring that every American realizes the dream of homeownership.

Contact:

Alvaro 'Al' Ortiz (Press Secretary)
Office Phone: (713) 383 9234 Ext. 111
Cell Phone: (832) 606 5869

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