Haitians living illegally in the United States have been granted temporary protected status for the next 18 months, New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D) announced last week at an emergency meeting for Caribbean media and Diaspora members in New York, prompting roars of support from the gathering last Thursday.

"This measure was implemented to temporarily cease deportation of immigrants given the magnitude of the destruction," said Senator Gillibrand. "This designation will allow Haitians living in America to continue living and working here for the next 18 months."

In addition, Senator Gillibrand has introduced new legislation which will temporarily waive tax deduction limits on all charitable contributions for the Haitian relief efforts which would provide an immediate boost to donations. "The tremendous damage in Haiti is horrifying and sobering for all of us – as New Yorkers and Americans," she said. "The outpouring of support from individuals across the country has been inspiring, but there is more we can do."

Gillibrand, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee explained, "The legislation I'm proposing would make small, but important, changes to tax law to encourage Americans to make further donations for emergency relief in Haiti. I pledge that I, along with my colleagues in Congress and the Obama Administration, will continue to do everything we can to bring relief to the people in Haiti."

The meeting, hosted by Jamaica's Consul-General Genevieve Brown-Metzger at her offices in New York City last Thursday, January 14th, was attended by several members of the CARICOM Consular Corps, including Haiti's Consul-General to New York Hon. Felix Augustin; Trinidad and Tobago's Consul-General to New York Dr. Harold Robertson; Deputy Commissioner Brad Billet, representing the New York City Mayor's office; and Council Member Mathieu Eugene of Brooklyn's 40th District; as well as Dr. Una S.T. Clarke. The briefing served as a platform to garner support from the Caribbean Diaspora community and mobilize relief efforts to assist the vulnerable and displaced families in Haiti.

Haitian Consul General Felix Augustin provided a synopsis of the state of affairs on the ground in Haiti, while expressing gratitude for the support from the Caribbean community. "I can't thank you enough," he said. "The love and support we have received is overwhelming. The strength of the Haitian people cannot be broken," he said. Augustin shared the good news that the government of Guyana has pledged $1 million in support, while T&T Consulate General Robertson said Trinidad and Tobago has committed a donation of $1 million to Haiti's relief efforts.