DHS extends temporary protected status for Haitian refugees

The Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday that the more than 58,000 Haitian immigrants who were given protection since their island nation was devastated by an earthquake in January 2010 will have six more months in the United States without fear of deportation.

The decision by DHS came after a large advocacy push by organizations and Florida lawmakers from both parties. Tuesday is the deadline for DHS to publish a 60-day notice in the Federal Register announcing the plan for the program.