Damn It Profits to Be a Haitian in America

Back in 1990, as part of an immigration reform act that was signed into law by George H.W. Bush, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was created. It is a temporary immigration status given to nationals of specifically designated countries that are confronting an ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. For instance:

• TPS allows foreigners to stay in the U.S. if there is a conflict or disaster that prevents them from returning to their home country.
• TPS allows immigrants to live and work in the United States.
• Aliens are protected from removal.
• TPS allows the alien to get a Social Security number and card.

Since then, a number of countries have been designated to receive TPS and over time countries such as Guinea (2017), Rwanda (1997), Sierra Leone (2017) and several others have had their TPS rescinded. In 2010, following a 7.0 – magnitude earthquake that caused widespread damage, Haiti was given TPS.

However, since the initial designation, Haiti’s TPS has been extended several times due to ongoing challenges in the country, including subsequent natural disasters, political instability, and security concerns. The most recent was July 2024, when Department of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expanded TPS to a total of 474,000 Haitians.

Most of the new Haitians here in the United States are here because of Biden’s TPS. This most recent wave can receive a host of services.

For instance, the minute a Haitian lands in the U.S., the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is there to help them. The ORR Matching Program “provides cash assistance, intensive case management, and employment services to help clients immediately find and maintain employment” for a year. Afterwards, they can still get employability services through the Refugee Support Services (RSS) program for five years.

In addition, they can receive “specialized programs such as health services, technical assistance for small business start-ups, financial savings, youth mentoring, or other targeted support programs.”

Specific Benefits from the Federal Government

Haitians, as a Cuban/Haitian entrant (CHE), can receive federal benefits right off the bat. Unlike lawful permanent residents, who have to wait five years of residence in order to receive benefits, Cubans and Haitians, along with other groups such as Afghans and Ukrainians, can receive benefits immediately which include:

• Medicaid
• Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance, which is for the childless.
• Refugee Social Services
• Social Security
• Supplemental Security Income, which is for the disabled and elderly
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is for family and individuals.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Federal Student Aid
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits