Congress members urge US to shield Jamaicans from deportation after Hurricane Melissa

Forty-four members of the US Congress are calling on the Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Jamaican nationals in the United States, citing widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers said returning Jamaicans to the island amid ongoing recovery efforts would worsen the crisis.

If approved, the designation would protect Jamaican nationals currently in immigration removal proceedings from being deported during the recovery period.

“We write to urgently call on and request the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately designate Temporary Protected Status for Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa,” the letter stated.

Hurricane has displaced tens of thousands, destroyed infrastructure, and left many without access to housing, electricity, clean water, or medical care. Recovery is expected to take months, if not years.

“Under these conditions, it would be unsafe and inhumane to require Jamaican nationals currently residing in the United States to return home,” the congress members said in their letter.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the lead signer of the letter and daughter of Jamaican immigrants, said the United States shares a long-standing bond with Jamaica and that TPS would offer critical support during this time

“Extending TPS to Jamaican nationals would reaffirm our nation’s commitments and ensure that individuals are not forced to return to life-threatening conditions,” Clarke said.

Under Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the DHS Secretary may designate TPS for countries facing extraordinary and temporary conditions, including environmental disasters.

The letter also highlighted the deep cultural and familial ties between the two nations.

“Our nations are bound by shared history, culture, and family ties,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully urge you to grant TPS for Jamaica without delay.”

The letter concluded: “We look forward to your prompt action and remain committed to working with DHS to provide the protection and stability this moment demands,” the letter concluded

editorial@gleanerjm.com

Congress members’ requests

1. Immediately designate Jamaica for Temporary Protected Status under the Immigration and Nationality Act

2. Allow all eligible Jamaican nationals currently residing in the United States to remain here lawfully and continue contributing to our communities

3. Coordinate with federal, state, and international partners to support Jamaica’s recovery and strengthen disaster resilience across the Caribbean region