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After the Haiti Earthquake

By Neetal Parekh on January 14, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

A Haiti earthquake and Haitian immigration law update...

By now you have heard.  A 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti just outside of its capital, Port-au-Prince, this past Tuesday (January 12th 2010) at approximately 5pm local time.  With casualties mounting into tens of thousands and major structures severely damaged, including all hospitals in the area, all eyes have refocused on this Caribbean nation.

Haiti earthquake relief efforts take shape

Haiti earthquake relief efforts continue with relief organizations entering the nation with health care supplies and foreign military contingents due in for aid distribution and peacekeeping. Fundraising initiatives have received support from A-listers such as the President Obama, First Lady Michelle, and recruited help from the Former Presidents Clinton and Bush.  Wyclef Jean, George Clooney, and Tiger Woods are also big names in relief efforts.  Companies such as Morgan Stanley, McDonald's, UPS, and Bank of America have also pledged support.

Partners in Health, reported to be a major health care provider in the Haiti, is continuing operations and gaining popularity as a recipient for foreign donations.  The American Red Cross has partnered with cell phone providers to allow individuals to donate via text.

Spotlight on Haitian immigration law revisited

On the legal front, the U.S. government has temporarily halted deportations to Haiti.  Additionally, organizations such ILW.com, are advocating implementation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on an "expedited basis to all Haitians in the US for a period of five years." The ILS website reports the potential that 1% of the Haitian population may have been taken by the catastrophic earthquake.

Law school island 

Haiti appears to have a single law school. La Faculté de Droit et des Sciences Économiques is located in Port-au-Prince and follows a four-year course of study.  There is no word on damage sustained to the law school or whether classes will be able to resume in their current location.

U.S. law schools respond

U.S. law students are slowly stepping up to the situation to see how they can help.  Ave Maria Law School in Southwestern region of Florida, the state closest to Haiti, is reportedly organizing fundraising efforts.  The Caribbean Law Students Association (CaribLaw) of the University of Florida Law School is collecting donated items to send to Haitian earthquake victims.


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