We at the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program are deeply disappointed in the recent decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifting the injunction that prevented the Trump administration from moving forward with the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for recipients from El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The termination of TPS, if not overruled, will affect hundreds of thousands of people who have lived in the United States for decades, including many members of the Harvard community. This ruling, which highlights the precarious immigration status of TPS recipients, requires an immediate response from Congress that provides a path to lawful permanent resident status.
While people with TPS will maintain their status during the appeals process, this decision undoubtedly adds undue stress and uncertainty to the lives of TPS recipients and their families, all amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and continued systemic racism and police brutality.
Our program is committed to continuing to support TPS recipients during this challenging time and providing legal assistance and representation to those who seek a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. TPS recipients who are part of the Harvard community are encouraged to contact the Harvard Representation Initiative to schedule a free consultation with an attorney and/or social worker on our team. To request an appointment, email hri@law.harvard.edu or call 617-495-6648.