WASHINGTON DC, (CMC) – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended its Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme for recipient citizens of six countries, including Haiti.

In a statement, the DHS said the extension, which is also applicable to citizens of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Sudan and Honduras, is “to ensure its continued compliance” with orders from two ongoing court cases and was consistent with Homeland Security’s practice over the past four years.

According to the DHS, the document that was sent to the Federal Register should be officially released on Wednesday.

The TPS programme provides beneficiaries with work permits and can protect them from deportation if their country of origin experiences extraordinary events such as natural disasters or armed conflicts.

In response, Senator Alex Padilla, who chairs a judiciary subcommittee on immigration, said the extension is a huge relief for those on the programme.

He added that the move is a step in the right direction, but added that more permanent protections were needed.