MIAMI – Frantz Fabien is among the Haitians in South Florida who are worried about the possibility of the expiration of the Temporary Protected Status in August.
Fabien said the security crisis has kept him away from his home and family. Haitian violent gang members have been engaging in coordinated attacks since February.
“When we came here, our goal was to work here and go back to Haiti, spend some time, see our families, and maybe open a business in Haiti because this is not our country,” Fabien said.
Miami Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien urged the Biden administration to redesignate the TPS. She signed a Sept. 22 letter by The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network.
“We have yet to receive an answer,” Bastien said.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated the extension allowed about 107,000 Haitian beneficiaries to retain TPS, and about 105,000 more were eligible for TPS.
The situation has worsened since. According to The United Nations World Food Program Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau, about 5 million people are dealing with food insecurity in Haiti.
The UN also reported that the violence from January to March resulted in more than 2,500 people either killed or injured. There are temporary shelters with limited access to food and water.
Ariel Henry, the Haitian prime minister, resigned on Thursday to give way to a transitional nine-member council with a mandate set to expire on Feb. 7, 2026.
There has been political instability since Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was killed in 2021. The council is tasked with preparing the country for elections.
Bastien said Haitians who have sought refuge in Miami-Dade County desperately need protection. Without an extension, the U.S. TPS expires on Aug. 3.
More on U.S. TPS program
- El Salvador is currently open and runs through March 9, 2025
- Honduras is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025
- Nicaragua is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025
- Nepal is currently open and runs through June 24, 2025
- Sudan is currently open and runs through April 19, 2025