SILVER SPRING, Maryland — Late yesterday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agreed to restore a path to permanent residency for many Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries blocked by then-acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli — an illegally appointed Trump official. Because of this agreement, TPS beneficiaries impacted by this policy will be able to reopen and dismiss their removal orders and apply to adjust their status to become permanent residents — eliminating the threat of deportation if their TPS protections are revoked in the future.
The agreement is the result of a new settlement in CARECEN v. Cuccinelli, a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), Montagut & Sobral, PC, and Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP in August 2020. Seven Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries and the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) sued the Trump administration for unlawfully denying tens of thousands of TPS beneficiaries the opportunity to take steps to adjust their immigration status and become permanent residents. In the lawsuit, the seven current TPS holders shared their stories. Now, each one has the opportunity to obtain permanent residence.
The December 2019 policy change, disguised as a mere clarification, was one of the Trump administration’s many efforts to eliminate TPS protections for tens of thousands of eligible men and women. The groups’ lawsuit alleged the change violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act; was motivated by the Trump administration’s racial and anti-immigrant bias; and was unlawfully authorized by Ken Cuccinelli, whose appointment was deemed illegal by a federal court in March 2020 in response to a separate lawsuit brought by Democracy Forward, CLINIC, RAICES, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
“Today’s agreement will allow TPS beneficiaries — many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades and built deep roots in their communities — to once again seek permanent residency and extinguish the threat of deportation if their TPS protections are revoked,” said Democracy Forward Senior Counsel John Lewis. “The Trump administration’s policy illegally sought to destabilize the lives of tens of thousands with TPS protections. We’re proud to have helped restore protections that ensure our neighbors have a path to pursue permanent residency.”
“This victory will change the lives of those individuals impacted,” stated Abel Nuñez, Executive Director of CARECEN. “As an organization, we are proud of our continued efforts to defend our community as they integrate into their new home in the U.S. CARECEN will work with those TPS members that qualify under the settlement and also keep fighting to ensure that all TPS beneficiaries who have been in the U.S. for over 20 years and have complied with everything that has been asked of them are able to apply for legal permanent residence." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
There is a Partnership between National Bar Association (including Haitian American Lawyers Associations across the country) with Haitian Bridge Alliance.
Haitian Bridge Alliance, has partnered with the National Bar Association to streamline the process and increase capacity to provide legal service to migrants at the Texas border. The conditions of the agreement are as follows. We are looking for attorneys to take on cases Probono if you are interest in participating please fill out this form by clicking here and email us at halaofny@gmail.com. If you are a law student, or an attorney and interested in joining HALANY Immigration efforts please email us at halaofny@gmail.com. If you know any migrant that is seeking legal advice, please have them fill this form by clicking here.
Click on here for Legal Resources for the Haitian Border Crisis.
Best,
HALANY
Join HALANY Host its First TPS Clinic Of The Year on October 23, 2021.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a little-known program that offers a temporary legal status to certain immigrants in the United States who cannot return to their country of origin due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary reasons. On May 22, 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti for 18 months.
We will be hosting a FREE clinic to aid people who will be in need of assistance in filling out the TPS application. If you have any questions, please email us at HALAOFNY@GMAIL.COM.
TPS Clinic
Date October 23,2021
Time: 2:00pm.
Location: Lifeline Gospel Ministries International Incorporated
1010 Rutland Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
We are looking for volunteers. You do not need to be an attorney to volunteer. If you are interested in helping out with our TPS Clinic please fill out this form.
The Haitian Lawyers Association of New York cordially invites you to apply to be our 2022 Scholarship Recipient. The scholarship will be awarded at our Induction Ceremony a to be held in the beginning of the year in 2022. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is by 5:00pm on October 22, 2021.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
It is our mission to promote the advancement of Haitian people in the legal and judicial field, as well as serve the Haitian community of New York by providing critical information, advocacy, resources and opportunities to get involved and give back to the Haitian community.
We urge you to join in this mission by becoming a member of HALA-NY or renewing your membership today: www.halany.org/join
For more information please contact halanyscholarship@gmail.com
Designation Allows Eligible Haitians Who Resided in the U.S. as of July 29 to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents
WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice that provides information about how to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced this 18-month designation of Haiti for TPS on May 22.
The registration process will open next week when the FRN is published. All individuals who want to request TPS under this designation for Haiti must file an application.
This includes approximately 55,000 current TPS Haiti beneficiaries, whose TPS-related documentation is automatically extended at least through Oct. 4, 2021, in compliance with court orders. These individuals must file a new application for TPS under this designation to ensure they retain their status.
This designation of Haiti for TPS also enables an estimated 100,000 additional individuals to file initial applications for TPS, if otherwise eligible. To be eligible for TPS under this designation, individuals must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in the United States since July 29, 2021. In light of recent events in Haiti, including the July assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Secretary Mayorkas has modified this date from what was previously announced. Individuals who attempt to travel to the U.S. after July 29, 2021, will not be eligible for TPS and may be subject to expulsion or removal.
Individuals applying for Haiti TPS must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the 18-month initial registration period that runs from Aug. 3, 2021, through Feb. 3, 2023. Haiti TPS applicants are eligible to file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an Employment Authorization Document by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.
For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.
From left Council Member Farah N Louis, Sen. Brian Benjamin, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Rev. Al Sharpton, Attorney General Letitia James.
Little Haiti BK, in partnership with the Office the Brooklyn Borough President, Haitian-American community organizations and the National Action Network, held a prayer vigil for Haiti on Sunday at Newkirk Avenue, between Nostrand Avenue and East 29th Street in Brooklyn.
The community-led event provided an outlet for New York-based Haitian-Americans and allies to unite in prayer for the people of Haiti in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
Brooklyn is regarded as home to the second-largest population of Haitian-Americans in the United States after Miami.
The people of Haiti have faced heightened political instability, food insecurity and turmoil following Moïse’s assassination on July 7.
Attendees included Rep. Yvette Clarke; New York Attorney General Letitia James; Mayor Bill de Blasio; Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Sen. Brian Benjamin; Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn; Council Members Farah N. Louis and Helen Rosenthal; Democratic nominee for Council District 40 Rita Joseph; and District Leaders Josue Pierre and Edu Hermelyn.
Others were: Eudson Tyson Francois, a member of the Spring Valley Board of Trustees; Sabrina Charles Pierre, Vice-President of the East Ramapo School Board; and prominent Hatian-American community organizations, including Little Haiti BK, Inc. and the Haitian-American Law Enforcement Fraternal Organization (HALEFO).
“We mourn with our Haitian community over the tragic events that have unfolded in Haiti in recent weeks,” Adams said. “Our Haitian community contributes immeasurably to our shared social, economic and civic life in Brooklyn and beyond, and it is critical that we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
“I thank all the Haitian community leaders and community groups who organized this vigil in Brooklyn’s own Little Haiti,” he added.
Rev. Sharpton, civil rights leader and president and founder of National Action Network, who was the keynote speaker, said: “In times of struggle, we all need to support one another.
“The National Action Network stands in solidarity with the Haitian-American community through this tumultuous time, because none of us can thrive until everyone can,” he said. “We are hosting this prayer vigil to stand with our Haitian-American brothers and sisters, shed light on this scourge on Haiti and encourage other communities to get involved in this time of crisis.”
Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said: “I want to thank my colleagues for joining me in calling on President Joe Biden to make sure they do not deport Haitians living in the US and that they focus not on international intervention but on humanitarian efforts like providing food, vaccinations and resources to ensure Haiti can move forward graciously with fair and free elections.”
Louis, another daughter of Haitian Americans, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, said: “The Haitian-American community in New York City stands in support of Haiti during this difficult and tragic time.
“With so many of our friends and family in Haiti suffering right now, we pray for the nation’s quick recovery and repeat our calls for President Biden and the United States to help in the form of humanitarian aid and additional COVID-19 vaccine doses,” she said, adding that the vigil was “an expression of our deep solidarity with the Haitian people, as well as our hopes and prayers for a better future for them.”
“The people of Haiti need our prayers and support during this difficult time,” said Jackson Rockingster, chair of Little Haiti BK, Inc. and president of the Haitian American Business Network (HABNET).
“In Little Haiti, Brooklyn, the atmosphere is tense with fear for our loved ones abroad,” he said. “Everyone here knows someone in Haiti who is struggling through these tumultuous times. The vigil was a way for us to express solidarity for the people of Haiti and come together with our neighbors to pray for stability in Haiti and hope for the nation’s future.”
Organizations sponsoring and supporting the event included: Association des Ingénieurs Haïtiens et Américains (ADIHA); Association Médicale Haïtiennes à L’etranger (AMHE); CUNY Haitian Studies Institute; Diaspora Community Services; Foundation for the Emancipation of Women and Girls; FS Nostrand Merchant Association; Haitian-American Alliance of New York, Inc. (HAA); Haitian American Business Network (HABNET); Haitian American Caucus (HAC); Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York (HALANY); and Haitian-American Law Enforcement Fraternal Organization (HALEFO).
Others were: Haitian-American Nurses Association of Greater New York; Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP); Haitian Clergy Association; Haitian-American Community Coalition (HCC); Haitian Round Table (HRT); Le MoJo Show; Life of Hope (LOH); Little Haiti BK, Inc.’ National Action Network; National Action Network Youth Huddle; Society of Haitian Administrators and Supervisors; and Society for Haitian Research (SHR).
Source: caribbeanlifenews.com/prayer-vigil-for-haiti-in-brooklyn/
Local leaders and activists came together on Sunday in Brooklyn to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti in a time of turmoil following the recent assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
On Newkirk Avenue between Nostrand Avenue and East 29th Street, a ‘Pray for Haiti’ vigil was held. The vigil was sponsored by Little Haiti BK, the Mayor’s Office, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Haitian-American community organizations, and the National Action Network.
Eric Adams said, “We grieve with our Haitian community over the tragic events that have taken place in Haiti in recent weeks. Our Haitian community is immeasurably contributing to our shared social, economic, and civic life in Brooklyn and beyond, and it is vital that we show solidarity with them during this difficult time.”
“Our Haitian-American community in New York have a shared goal: That is to see peace and unity in Haiti. We all share a cultural background and have friends, relatives, and loved ones living abroad, and we all wish for peace for the country,” said Sherbune Paul, Esq, president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York.
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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Activists and local leaders came together in Brooklyn on Sunday to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti in a time of turmoil.
The group held a prayer vigil in the Little Haiti neighborhood.
They’re offering messages of unity and support weeks after Haiti’s president was assassinated.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the United States must provide Haiti with humanitarian relief and relieve them of debt.
“We’ve come together to extend healing hands to let Haiti know that we are here, and that we will urge our government and that we will come together and provide them assistance,” she said.
“I hope that this vigil gives us a sense of unity, a sense of healing,” Rev. Al Sharpton said.
Source: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/07/25/brooklyn-prayer-vigil-haiti/
A prayer vigil for Haiti was held on Sunday afternoon at Newkirk Avenue between Nostrand Avenue and East 29th Street, sponsored by Little Haiti BK, the Office of the Borough President, Haitian-American community organizations and the National Action Network.
The people of Haiti have faced political instability, food insecurity and turmoil following the assassination of the country’s president, Jovenel Moise, on July 7.
Elected officials including Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and representatives of prominent Hatian-American community organizations, including Little Haiti BK, Inc., the Haitian-American Law Enforcement Fraternal Organization and more, appeared in support of the people of Haiti and the New York Haitian-American community.
“We mourn with our Haitian community over the tragic events that have unfolded in Haiti in recent weeks. Our Haitian community contributes immeasurably to our shared social, economic, and civic life in Brooklyn and beyond, and it is critical that we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time,” said Borough President Eric Adams.
“The people of Haiti need our prayers and support during this difficult time,” said Jackson Rockingster, chair of Little Haiti BK and president of the Haitian American Business Network (HABNET). “In Little Haiti, Brooklyn, the atmosphere is tense with fear for our loved ones abroad. Everyone here knows someone in Haiti who is struggling through these tumultuous times.”
“As essential workers, we know the struggles the people of Haiti face,” said Dr. Kelynne J. Oristel, president of the Haitian American Nurses Alliance (HANA). “Many of our members lived, worked or were trained in Haiti as medical professionals. Residents of Haiti relied on our support following the devastating earthquake in 2010. Unfortunately, hardships are continuing.”
Sherbune Paul, Esq, president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, emphasized the need for the community to come together, saying “Our Haitian-American community in New York have a shared goal: That is to see peace and unity in Haiti. We all share a cultural background and have friends, relatives and loved ones living abroad, and we all wish for peace for the country.”
“In times of struggle, we all need to support one another. The National Action Network stands in solidarity with the Haitian-American community through this tumultuous time because none of us can thrive until everyone can. We are hosting this prayer vigil to stand with our Haitian-American brothers and sisters, shed light on this scourge on Haiti and encourage other communities to get involved in this time of crisis,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network.
“The ‘Pray for Haiti’ vigil encourages the community to come together. As scripture tells us, ‘Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.’” Rev. Dr. Samuel Nicolas, president of the Haitian Clergy Association, said.
Little Haiti Bk, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization whose mission is to preserve, harness, showcase and celebrate the academic, civic, commercial, health, religious and other socio-cultural institutions of people of Haitian ancestry within the boundaries of Little Haiti Bk.
Little Haiti was designated as a cultural and business district by the NYC Council in 2018. Little Haiti encompasses East 16th Street to Brooklyn Avenue, and Parkside Avenue to Avenue H.
https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2021/07/25/brooklyns-little-haiti-pays-homage-with-local-prayer-vigil/
Little Haiti BK, in partnership with the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Haitian-American community organizations and the National Action Network will hold a prayer vigil for Haiti on Sunday, July 25 at 1:30 p.m., at Newkirk Avenue between Nostrand and E. 29th Street in Brooklyn, New York.
The vigil is a community-led event, providing an outlet for New York-based Haitian-Americans and allies to unite in prayer for the people of Haiti. Brooklyn is home to the second-largest population of Haitian-Americans in the United States.
The people of Haiti have faced political instability, food insecurity and turmoil following the assassination of the country’s president on July 7.
