BOSTON (AP) - Haitian immigrants and their supporters have gathered at the Statehouse to ask Gov. Charlie Baker to support their efforts to allow those who arrived from Haiti after that country’s devastating 2010 earthquake to remain in the U.S.
The group is hoping high-profile Republicans like Baker may be able to help make their case in Washington.
A Baker spokesman said Wednesday the governor supports extending the temporary protected status and has discussed with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly how important the Haitian community is to Massachusetts.
President Donald Trump’s administration must announce by May 23 whether to continue that status for about 50,000 Haitians legally living and working in the U.S. before Jan. 12, 2011. Otherwise they could face sudden deportation.
Activists are pressing for an 18-month extension of the program.
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