Defend our Haitian Neighbors Before it's Too Late

Adam Echelman wrote for USA Today about the decision to not renew protected status for Haitians living in the United States. This article is part of the RiseLocal project of the National Network.

Now that Department of Homeland Security has formally announced it will not renew Temporary Protected Status for more than 50,000 eligible Haitians living in the United States, it is time for the Eastern Shore community and the state of Maryland to defend these long-time residents before they are forced to hide and flee.

We must invest in local programs that help the Haitian community find pathways to legalization. We must streamline the visa process for employers looking to sponsor TPS-holders. And we must support a legislative solution that enriches and unites our community -- instead of the current TPS policy, which can only divide us.