Stand with the People of Haiti

We have all heard of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti three days ago. Like many of you we have been moved by the images of human suffering that we have seen from the aftermath of this horrible disaster.

Today, January 15th, ICIRR held a press conference with Latino, African American, Asian, Arab, and Caribbean leaders to join in solidarity with the nation of Haiti after this week’s devastating earthquake killed thousands and left the country in disarray. Already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti was already reeling from the four hurricanes that struck the country in September 2008 when the earthquake hit Tuesday night.

We call upon President Barack Obama to provide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians as a humanitarian relief so they can support reconstruction efforts in Haiti. TPS would allow Haitian nationals in the US to not only avoid being deported to devastated communities but also aid in the recovery by working and sharing their earnings with loved ones in Haiti. TPS would also spare Haiti the added burden of thousands of deportees who could instead aid recovery by working in the US. Finally, the US government would benefit from the fees paid by TPS applicants.

You can take action right now to stand with our brothers and sisters right now by:

1. Donate to the relief efforts. Give to organizations working in Haiti like Partners in Health. You can also contribute online to the Red Cross, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."
2. Call the White House & ask 4 Temporary Protected Status NOW! 866-930-3396
3. Sign a petition by CREDO Mobile (a progressive mobile and online advocacy network) or Catholics United to President Obama. Both are also fighting for long-overdue Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants already living in the United States.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti.