Homeland Security Secretary Discusses Temporary Protected Status
On Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin had a contentious discussion with “State of the Union” host Jake Tapper regarding the status of Haitian and Syrian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The Supreme Court recently decided in favor of the Trump administration, permitting the Department of Homeland Security to terminate TPS for immigrants from Haiti and Syria. Tapper inquired whether this meant over 350,000 individuals would face deportation from these nations.
“First of all, Temporary Protected Status was never meant to be permanent,” Mullin stated. “Many individuals arrived here under TPS 15 or 20 years ago. They could have applied for visas during their stay. They were able to seek Lawful Permanent Resident status or consider other options. The term ‘temporary’ itself indicates that this status can be revoked.”
“These individuals have various choices. They can apply for permanent residency or a temporary visa, or they might opt to return to their country,” he added. “And if they wish to come back, we will assist them in that process.”
TPS was first established by the Immigration Act of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. As outlined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, TPS is designed for people from countries experiencing war or natural disasters that make deportation unsafe. The Obama administration granted TPS to Haitians following the catastrophic earthquake in 2010.
Tapper appeared perplexed by Mullin’s comments and continued to question him about the implications of ending TPS.
“If I’m speaking directly to someone with Temporary Protected Status, we’ll help you complete the paperwork to gain permanent status, or we’ll assist you in returning home,” Mullin clarified. “In fact, we’ll cover your plane ticket and provide about $2,100 to help you get re-established upon arrival. But, as noted by the court, the term ‘Temporary Protected Status’ indicates it is not a permanent solution.”
Mullin further explained that individuals seeking permanent residency in the U.S. must not have felony charges or engage in social programs.
The Trump administration encountered numerous legal challenges in its attempt to eliminate TPS. The USCIS website mentions that several federal judges from Democratic-leaning states, such as Massachusetts, California, and Illinois, have issued injunctions against previous efforts to suspend TPS. Currently, individuals from 12 countries are protected from deportation under this status.
