TPS protections have never been temporary; Biden and Congress must recognize that

In September, a group of foreign mercenaries assassinated Jovenel Moïse, the president of Haiti. Since then, I’ve watched with great sadness as violence and corruption swept the country, driving thousands of people from their homes. I understand their desperation, because I’ve been there. A decade ago, after a catastrophic earthquake destroyed much of my homeland, I too left Haiti in search of safety and stability. I came to Florida and, along with 45,000 others, was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows roughly 250,000 immigrants fleeing war or natural disasters to live and work legally in the U.S. I was incredibly lucky — not just to be welcomed in America, but to be reunited with my girlfriend and raise two beautiful children together.

Even so, my future in America remains uncertain. The last administration tried to end TPS protections, a move that would have potentially separated parents like myself from 273,000 American-born kids. The Biden administration reversed course, extending TPS protections through 2022. They also added Myanmar and Venezuela to the program and expanded TPS eligibility to welcome even more Haitians. But the long-term situation remains: Without Congressional action, these new arrivals from Haiti will be stuck in limbo, just like me.

Before the earthquake, I had a good life in Haiti. I was an IT professional and made the equivalent of $60,000 a year. I visited my girlfriend in Florida often, but moving here would mean giving up my salary and starting from scratch in a new country.

Then the earthquake hit. My home and the university where I worked were completely destroyed. Staying wasn’t an option.

I have a computer programming degree from Quisqueya University and 10 years of work experience in the field. But when I applied to IT jobs after arriving in

Miami, employers wouldn’t recognize my credentials. This is a common situation for high-skilled immigrants, who often end up under-employed. Still, I was undeterred. I believed in the American dream. I took a job as a security guard at a retirement community while I saved up to get certified in tax preparation. Today, I’m an income tax support specialist at Hispanic Unity of Florida. We offer free tax preparation services to 3.3 million low-to-moderate income individuals, the elderly, disabled and those who speak limited

English. Our work has received national recognition by the IRS.

For me, helping Floridians pay their taxes — and paying my own — is deeply meaningful. My American-born son is autistic. Our tax dollars help to fund vital support services for him and thousands of other children like him. The therapy he receives in school has immeasurably changed his life. When he was younger, he could barely speak; now we can have real conversations. America has given me the gift of getting to know my son.

TPS holders and the United States have a truly symbiotic relationship. This country has given us safe haven from the worst natural and humanitarian disasters. In return, we work incredibly hard, own businesses and fill worker shortages in industries like construction and health care. According to the immigration nonprofit New American Economy, we generate $10.9 billion in income annually, pay $2.5 billion in taxes and hold $8.8 billion in spending power. Here in Florida, 60,684 TPS holders like me contribute $88 million to state and local taxes and hold $882.7 million in spending power. The newest arrivals from Haiti will find their footing as I did and work just as hard to become self-sufficient.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting that America simply open her borders. But three decades after TPS was created, let’s acknowledge that the program is only temporary in name. Since 1990, six administrations have told us to stay, sending the clear signal that we should continue to work, raise our families and invest in America. And we have.

So while I applaud president Biden’s efforts to help Haitians, Venezuelans and others, the White House and Congress should stop kicking the can down the road. By all means, work to curb migration. Take a tougher stand on corrupt governments. But don’t forget about the 250,000 of us who are already here. I want to buy a house, go for a promotion at work and travel to visit other parts of the world. I don’t, because I know my protections could vanish. Without permanent residency, I can’t take the risk.