A Haitian American attorney from South Florida has a message to those in the community as Temporary Protected Status comes to an end: “Do not panic.”Attorney Lourna Rosembert Joseph, with ILG Immigration Group, said that TPS for Haitians was first granted in 2010, so many people have built their lives here over the last 16 years. Now, there’s concern swirling in the community ― and misinformation.“So, right now is the time where, unfortunately, there’s a lot of scams going on, so for one, it’s not to panic,” Rosembert Joseph said. I think Temporary Protected Status is a good thing, but I think everyone forgot the ‘temporary’ portion of it.”She said even though TPS has ended, some may still qualify for other forms of immigration relief.“Make sure you get all your affairs in order ― and what I mean by that is your immigration documents and so forth,” Rosembert Joseph said.
“Make sure you research whoever you speak to and understand that social media is not the best source of news.”Her advice now to those affected is to speak with an immigration attorney and, if they haven’t already, have conversations with their employers about their work status.“Showing up to work may not work,” Rosembert Joseph said. “I suggest they speak to the employer, find out what can happen, but technically they’re not supposed to be working right now. And I agree, it’s a tough situation to be in right now.”She said old asylum claims could be relevant.“You can either file a motion to reopen, a motion to reconsider, or even an appeal,” Rosembert Joseph said.But she said previous removal orders halted by TPS are now back in play.“So what happens now is if you get caught up with ICE or anything that way, they have a reason to keep you, because technically you had a removal order 30 years ago,” Rosembert Joseph said.
“Before you cure that issue (asylum or other forms of relief), you have to go back and cure the removal order because it stops you from going further.”Rosembert Joseph also said the impact won’t just be felt by the people losing their status. Thousands of Haitians have been working, paying taxes and filling critical jobs across South Florida.“We’re not going to be able to replace these individuals,” she said. “So then, what does that do, right?
If employers can’t have anyone working, then we have an issue. I think this is going to force the government …
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