Call to Action: TPS for Haitians Now

I have long advocated that Haitian Nationals receive temporary protected status (TPS) from the US government. The injustices and double standards applied against Haitian immigrants in the US is simply appalling. My question for the Obama administration on the heels of this horrific earthquake is: If not now, when?

I made a film about the double standards when it comes to not granting TPS to Haitians. I filmed it in 2004 and I actually just completed it. More information on its release in the coming weeks, but I just want to point out the two main reasons given by several of our subjects as to why Haitians don't get TPS status.

Reason 1: Racism
Reason 2: They would actually come to the US in large numbers

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and over the last decade has been devastated by both natural and political disasters. (In fact, this is the very definition of TPS eligibility) Its proximity to the US means that a wave of Haitian boat people would end up on the shores of the US should TPS be granted to Haitian nationals.

But there must be some middle ground between letting in every Haitian who wants a better life, and totally ignoring the plight of thousands of human beings who may be left to die in the coming weeks. There must be some system which would allow the most desperate Haitians a safe haven in the US.

To ignore the suffering of this cursed island will be a curse on all of us who stood by idly and did nothing.

If you are a US citizen, contact your State Representatives to pressure Obama to grant Haitians TPS.