(The Center Square) – As temporary protection status for legal Haitian immigrants continues to strain infrastructure in Springfield, Ohio, attorneys general across the country want the status examined by Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristi Noem.
The Republican attorneys general, led by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, said the designations often have been extended beyond Congress’ intentions. Homeland has 17 countries designated, some date back to the 1990s.
Honduras first received the status in 1998.
“This program has been applied too loosely, allowing noncitizens to live here indefinitely, even after it’s safe for them to return home,” Yost said. “Congress made these designations temporary for a reason – they were never supposed to last 20-plus years.”
Congress allows Homeland to designate countries in times of crisis for six to 18 months. The letter to Noem says the status is now being used as a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who otherwise do not qualify for legal status.
The attorneys general also say the current approach has allowed thousands of noncitizens to remain eligible to live in the United States and receive benefits for more than 20 years.
“Converting TPS into a license for long-term residency frustrates congressional aims and only increases the financial and governmental strain on states,” the letter says.
The letter also notes former President Joe Biden extended the designation for about 1 million immigrants from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine and Venezuela just before leaving office. That covers about 85% of the current temporary protection status immigrants in America, according to the prosecutors.
The letter wants Noem to expedite a review of the current system as soon as she is confirmed by the Senate.
Issues surrounding temporary protection status for Haitian refugees in Springfield exploded in the last year, stressing the city’s health care, infrastructure and school systems. The state has poured millions of dollars into the area to deal with a growing refugee population.
Springfield’s issues also led to false statements from President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during last year’s presidential campaign. Both said refugees were eating the pets of Springfield residents. The claims were proven to be false.
Haiti first received temporary protection status in 2010 under former President Barack Obama. Trump tried to revoke the status for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Sudan, Nepal and Nicaragua in 2019 but a court order kept them in place.
Other attorneys general signing with Yost were from Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
