Fact Check: Haiti's Temporary Protected Status was activated in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake.

Fact Check: "Haiti's Temporary Protected Status was activated in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake."

What We Know

Haiti was designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 21, 2010, following a devastating earthquake that struck the country on January 12, 2010. This earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.0 and resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure, making it impossible for many Haitians to safely return to their home country (Federal Register). The TPS designation allowed eligible Haitians residing in the U.S. to remain temporarily due to the extraordinary conditions in Haiti that arose from the earthquake.

Analysis

The claim that Haiti's TPS was activated in 2010 due to the catastrophic earthquake is substantiated by official documentation from the DHS. The Federal Register notice explicitly states that the TPS designation was a direct response to the earthquake's impact, which left the country in a state of emergency and unable to provide for its citizens (Federal Register).

Additional sources, such as the DHS's announcement regarding the termination of TPS, also reference the ongoing effects of the 2010 earthquake as a reason for the initial designation and subsequent extensions (DHS News). This indicates a consistent recognition of the earthquake's long-term impact on Haiti's stability and the necessity for TPS.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from official government publications and announcements. The Federal Register is a well-established platform for federal regulations and notices, ensuring that the information provided is credible and authoritative.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Haiti's Temporary Protected Status was activated in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake is accurate. The TPS designation was officially established in response to the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake, allowing Haitians in the U.S. to remain temporarily due to the dire conditions in their home country.

Sources

1. Designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status
2. DHS Terminates Haiti TPS, Encourages Haitians to Obtain Lawful Status
3. Secretary Mayorkas Designates Haiti for Temporary Protected Status
4. Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Haiti
5. Haiti - The World Factbook
6. Policy - Haiti Temporary Protected Status Guidance (2010)
7. Acting Secretary Elaine Duke Announcement On Temporary Protected Status for Haiti
8. Haiti – Wikipedia