Important Notice:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Humanitarian Parole for Jamaica have not yet been approved or created by the U.S. government. The information on this page is provided for educational and advocacy purposes only to help the public understand what these programs are and how they could work if established.

Protecting Jamaicans Here, Helping Jamaicans There

At Bennett Law Center, led by our CEO and Founding Attorney, Bridgette Bennett, the Reggae Visa Lawyer®—we are proud to stand at the forefront of humanitarian advocacy for Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa—a historic Category 5 storm that devastated homes, farms, and livelihoods, especially across the parishes of St. Elizabeth (Jamaica’s breadbasket), Westmoreland, and St. James.

Our mission is simple: to advocate for humanitarian options that would help both Jamaicans here in the United States and at home in Jamaica:

  • TPS would stabilize Jamaicans already in the United States.
  • Humanitarian Parole would save Jamaicans still in Jamaica who are facing urgent need.

Together, these programs would allow families to stay connected, rebuild safely, and support recovery efforts from both sides of the Caribbean Sea.

“TPS stabilizes Jamaicans here; Humanitarian Parole saves Jamaicans there. Together, they reduce harm and speed recovery.” — Bridgette M. Bennett, Esq, the Reggae Visa Lawyer ®

How You Can Help and Be Part of the Solution NOW

What we have already done: Attorney Bennett has been on the ground in New York since Sunday, November 2, 2025, having meetings with lawmakers, non-profit organizations, churches, and various media sources to get the word out about TPS and Humanitarian Parole. She’s been educating and encouraging everyone to be an Advocate for Jamaicans. Yesterday, she received an email confirming that, based on her request for assistance with these efforts, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led 43 of her colleagues in a letter to Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urging the immediate designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. This is a huge step in the right direction, and we are extremely grateful for the Congresswoman’s help! You can view the full text of the letter here.

How to Contact the DHS Secretary: The Honorable Kristi Noem

Now is your turn to ACT.  Everyone—from individuals to organizations—can make a difference right now.  Here’s how:

Email Secretary Noem

Email Secretary Noem to designate Jamaica for TPS and Humanitarian Parole following the instructions below:

  1. Copy this pre-drafted letter into an email.
  2. Address the email to: dhsexecsec@hq.dhs.gov
  3. Use this Subject Line:
    Urgent Request: Temporary Protected Status & Humanitarian Parole for Jamaica
  4. (Optional) Add 1-2 sentences about how the hurricane has affected you personally and the overall Jamaican community.
  5. Send the email.

Tag Secretary Noem on Social Media

To designate Jamaica for TPS and Humanitarian Parole, copy these pre-drafted messages and post them on all social media platforms.

Twitter/X (Tagging @Sec_Noem & @DHSgov):

  • Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica. Families here & abroad need relief.
    TPS stabilizes Jamaicans here. Humanitarian Parole saves Jamaicans there.
    @Sec_Noem @DHSgov – the U.S. has acted for Haiti, Ukraine & Venezuela.  It’s Jamaica’s turn.  #TPSforJamaica #StandWithJamaica #OneLove

Instagram (Tag @sec_noem @dhsgov):

  • Caption: Jamaica is reeling after Hurricane Melissa—homes, farms & livelihoods gone.
    We’re calling on @sec_noem & @dhsgov to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and a Humanitarian Parole pathway for Jamaica.  TPS stabilizes Jamaicans here. Parole saves Jamaicans there. <3 TPS = Protection <3 Parole = Relief <3 The U.S. has done it for Haiti, Ukraine & Venezuela—it’s time to do it for Jamaica.  #TPSforJamaica #StandWithJamaica #OneLove
  • Photo Suggestions: 1) Photos of the damage, 2) add this photo of the Jamaica flag/One Love

Facebook (Tag “Secretary Kristi Noem” & DHS page):

  • Jamaica Needs U.S. Compassion Now
    Hurricane Melissa destroyed Jamaica.  We’re urging @Secretary Kristi Noem and @Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status to Jamaicans already in the U.S. and create a Humanitarian Parole pathway for those still in crisis.
  • TPS stabilizes Jamaicans here; Parole saves Jamaicans there. <3 TPS = Protection <3 Parole = Relief <3 The U.S. has led with heart before—let’s do it again.  #TPSforJamaica #StandWithJamaica #OneLove

Threads (Tag @sec_noem @dhsgov):

  • Jamaica’s recovery depends on diaspora action & U.S. leadership.  @sec_noem @dhsgov — We’re calling for TPS & Humanitarian Parole to help Jamaicans rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. <3 TPS = Stability <3 Parole = Safety <3 #TPSforJamaica #StandWithJamaica #OneLove
  • Call Secretary Noem to designate Jamaica for TPS and Humanitarian Parole

Calling Instructions

Use the voicemail script below to leave a message on the DHS Comment/Message line: 202-282-8495.

Voicemail Script: 

“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling to urge Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security to designate Jamaica for Temporary Protected Status and to create a Humanitarian Parole pathway following Hurricane Melissa. This historic storm devastated Jamaica, and families here and abroad need relief now. Please act quickly to protect Jamaicans already in the U.S. and provide lawful, compassionate options for those still on the island. Thank you for your leadership and for standing with Jamaica.”

Tips for Callers:

  • Speak slowly and clearly; limit to about 30 seconds.
  • You can add one personal line: “I’m a Jamaican American from [city]” or “I have family in Jamaica affected by the storm.”
  • Be respectful and thank the listener—every call is logged.

Spread the Word and Stay Connected

Share our message on social media using the following hashtags #TPSforJamaicaNOW #HumanitarianParoleforJamaicaNOW #StandWithJamaica #AdvocacyInAction #ImmigrationAdvocacy #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaStrong #HumanitarianRelief #CaribbeanDiaspora #CaribbeanStrong #ImmigrationLaw #PolicyInAction

You can also do the following to make your voice louder:

  • When you send your email to the DHS Secretary, take a screenshot and share it on all your social media platforms and encourage others to do the same!
  • Sign up for updates via our WhatsApp community
  • Follow the Reggae Visa Lawyer on social media 
  • Check for updates on the Bennett Law Center’s Web site 

Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and What TPS Would Look Like (If Approved)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a U.S. humanitarian program that allows nationals from countries experiencing severe crises—such as war, natural disasters, or epidemics—to live and work legally in the U.S. for a temporary period.  If Jamaica were designated for TPS, here’s what the process would likely include (based on general USCIS guidelines):

Eligibility Requirements (Typical):

  • Must be a citizen or national of Jamaica.
  • Must have been physically present in the U.S. on or before the official designation date.
  • Must continuously reside in the U.S. since that date.
  • Must not have certain criminal convictions or security concerns.

Application Steps (Typical):

  • File Application for Temporary Protected Status with USCIS.
  • File Application for Employment Authorization (work permit) with USCIS.
  • File Application for Advanced Parole (travel permit) with USCIS.
  • Submit evidence of identity, nationality, residence, and presence in the U.S.
  • Pay filing fees.

Benefits of TPS (Typical):

  • Protection from deportation while the designation is in effect.
  • Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (work permit).
  • Ability to obtain travel authorization in certain cases.

What Humanitarian Parole Would Look Like (If Created)

Humanitarian Parole is a temporary permission that allows someone outside the U.S. to enter for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.  It does not provide permanent immigration status, but it can offer temporary safety and access to work authorization.  If a parole pathway for Jamaica were created, it would likely mirror existing programs such as Uniting for Ukraine or the CHNV Process (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela).

Eligibility Requirements (Typical):

  • Must be outside the U.S. at the time of application.
  • Must face urgent humanitarian need (e.g., displacement, destruction of home, medical emergency).
  • Must have a U.S.-based sponsor willing to provide financial and housing support.
  • Must pass background and security checks.

Application Steps (Typical):

  • U.S. sponsor files an Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support through the USCIS online portal.
  • USCIS reviews the sponsor and applicant.
  • If approved, the applicant receives authorization to travel and is paroled into the U.S. for up to two years.
  • After arrival, the individual can apply for work authorization.

Benefits (Typical):

  • Temporary lawful entry to the U.S. for humanitarian reasons.
  • Work authorization once in the country.
  • A safe, legal alternative to irregular migration.

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

The Bennett Law Center and the Reggae Visa Lawyer® will continue to share updates, guidance, and advocacy tools as this effort progresses.  For inquiries, community partnerships, or legal consultations, please contact:

Bridgette M. Bennett, Esq.
CEO & Founding Attorney | Bennett Law Center
Reggae Visa Lawyer®
352-557-8989
legal@bennettlawcenter.com

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. No TPS or Humanitarian Parole program for Jamaica currently exists.  This information is based on general USCIS procedures for similar programs and is subject to change.