New York Attorney General Letitia James has urged the federal government to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane struck Jamaica on October 28, causing at least 45 deaths and displacing tens of thousands of people. In a letter addressed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), James called for immediate action to allow eligible Jamaicans in the United States to remain and work legally while their home country recovers.
“Hurricane Melissa has caused unimaginable damage to our neighbors in Jamaica, displacing tens of thousands of people, destroying vital infrastructure, and severely limiting access to basic necessities,” said Attorney General James. “Forcing Jamaicans in the United States to return home to a devastated island would be dangerous and cruel. Situations like this are exactly what TPS was intended for, and our federal government should extend TPS to Jamaicans to help keep people safe while the island rebuilds.”
Hurricane Melissa is reported as the most intense storm ever recorded on the island, resulting in over $2 billion in property damage. Many communities have seen widespread destruction of homes, schools, and stores. Access to electricity, clean water, and medical care remains limited for many residents.
James noted that DHS has previously designated TPS for countries such as Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal after similar disasters or crises made returning unsafe for nationals from those countries.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke supported James’s call for TPS designation: “In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica and its people have suffered from widespread devastation and displacement at levels never before seen in its history,” she said. “While its recovery efforts have already made significant strides in healing the untold damage of the storm and delivering Jamaica towards its next chapter past this crisis, it is critical for the United States to uphold its humanitarian commitments to our cherished Caribbean ally. Stopping the forceful expulsion of Jamaican nationals into dangerous, unsafe conditions while their nation continues its work towards healing is one such commitment. These are the precise moments for which Congress established Temporary Protected Status. We have a moral and diplomatic obligation to Jamaica not to make what is already a difficult situation even more painful for a country that has only been a friend to America since its founding. Which is why last week, I led 43 of my colleagues in Congress in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, urging them to immediately designate Temporary Protected Status to Jamaica – and I thank Attorney General James for her decisive leadership in standing at our side and the diasporas on behalf of this necessary humanitarian action.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, Assemblymember Alicia L Hyndman, and New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers also expressed support for extending TPS protection.
“As the son of a Jamaican immigrant, the images coming out of Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa’s historic rampage across the island break my heart,” said Richards Jr., adding that urgent support was needed from all levels of U.S. government.
Bichotte Hermelyn stated: “Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica this past October… It is not safe for Jamaicans currently in the United States to return home… I stand with Attorney General James and urge the federal government to act swiftly.”
Assemblymember Cunningham described granting TPS as “a moral imperative that reflects our nation’s values,” while Hyndman emphasized it as both a humanitarian necessity and an obligation reflecting compassion.
Brooks-Powers concluded: “The devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa is unimaginable… Extending TPS is not only the right thing to do; it is a critical measure that honors our city’s deep ties to Jamaica.”
