Immigration reform needed for U.S. economy and for Haiti quake reliefBy Cheryl Little, Special to CNN
May 7, 2010 5:41 p.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Cheryl Little says giving protected status to Haitian immigrants was wise
She says such status was not granted in earlier disasters
Little says further immigration changes would aid Haiti's effort to recover from quake
A comprehensive immigration reform bill would be a major step forward, she says
Editor's note: Cheryl Little is the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, a Miami-based nonprofit law firm that protects and promotes the rights of immigrants. For a look at the children of Haiti, watch CNN's "Rescued," a documentary presented by Soledad O'Brien at 8 p.m. ET Saturday.
Miami, Florida (CNN) -- Marie, a Haitian mother, couldn't have been more grateful. "Thank you God for TPS," she recently told an attorney helping her fill out forms that will protect her from deportation. She was referring to temporary protected status, which will allow her to work legally, help Haiti and support her two young children. It's the sentiment that we hear most these days.
As longtime advocates, we at Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center were gratified when the Department of Homeland Security granted temporary protected status to unauthorized Haitian immigrants after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. Temporary protected status will allow perhaps 100,000 Haitians to legalize their status for the next 18 months.
Immigration reform needed for U.S. economy and for Haiti quake relief - CNN.com
May 7, 2010 5:41 p.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Cheryl Little says giving protected status to Haitian immigrants was wise
She says such status was not granted in earlier disasters
Little says further immigration changes would aid Haiti's effort to recover from quake
A comprehensive immigration reform bill would be a major step forward, she says
Editor's note: Cheryl Little is the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, a Miami-based nonprofit law firm that protects and promotes the rights of immigrants. For a look at the children of Haiti, watch CNN's "Rescued," a documentary presented by Soledad O'Brien at 8 p.m. ET Saturday.
Miami, Florida (CNN) -- Marie, a Haitian mother, couldn't have been more grateful. "Thank you God for TPS," she recently told an attorney helping her fill out forms that will protect her from deportation. She was referring to temporary protected status, which will allow her to work legally, help Haiti and support her two young children. It's the sentiment that we hear most these days.
As longtime advocates, we at Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center were gratified when the Department of Homeland Security granted temporary protected status to unauthorized Haitian immigrants after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. Temporary protected status will allow perhaps 100,000 Haitians to legalize their status for the next 18 months.
Immigration reform needed for U.S. economy and for Haiti quake relief - CNN.com