Haiti Response

Like you, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is still deeply concerned about the situation in Haiti following the January 12, 2010 earthquake. One year later, our hearts go out to the people of Haiti and the approximately 1 million Haitians living in the United States and elsewhere who are coping with the devastation and the loss of loved ones.

 

LIRS Response

LIRS’s service expertise has allowed us to take the following actions for vulnerable Haitians:

 

  • Expressed concern regarding plans to resume deportation of Haitians, December 22, 2010 Letter
  • Briefed Congress on Haitian Migration and the US Response February 4, 2010 Statement.
  • Called for temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians residing in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security responded quickly, announcing the establishment of a TPS program on January 15, 2010. The LIRS board of directors sent a letter of thanks to the Obama administration.
  • Presented a live webinar, “Applying for Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the United States. Webinar notes and audio are available for download. 

 

LIRS has worked to protect and serve Haitian children in the following ways:

 

  • Advocated for and celebrated the passage of the Help HAITI Act of 2010, which provided permanency in the United States to over 1,000 Haitian orphans. Read statement.
  • Coordinating crucial children's services through a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The funds will be used to serve Haitian children affected by the earthquake and in the United States with such services as family tracing, financial and social support, psychological support, legal services, and assistance with any child welfare concerns.
  • Issued a statement promoting best interests of separated and unaccompanied Haitian children. Read statement.
  • Briefed Congress on Protection Needs of Children in a Congressional Hearing January 27, 2010. Read briefing statement.
  • Identified Haitian children in federal custody who are in our children’s services caseload and may now be eligible for TPS or release.

 

 

Partners’ Response

 

  • Lutheran Services Florida, an LIRS resettlement partner, has been providing “repatriation reception services” to Haitians and U.S. citizens who have been airlifted from Haiti and providing interpreters for local agencies serving Haitian children.
  • Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran World Federation are on the ground in Haiti providing relief services including water and water purification, food, fuel, and temporary shelter.
  • Refugee Council USA, a coalition of organizations, including LIRS, that serve refugees, is in continuing communication with federal agencies to keep apprised of updates and share concerns on issues such as TPS, interdiction and detention policies.

 

 

 

Please check back for updates on advocacy for fair and humane considerations for Haitian migrants and their families. Join the LIRS Action Network to receive e-mail updates and alerts.  

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