TEMPORARY PROTECTION STATUS (TPS)

For many years Zimbabwe, rich in natural resources, boasted of a wealth of Africa's brightest minds.  Hailed as Africa's jewel, a model democracy with an educational system rated as the best in Africa, Zimbabwe stood poised for great economic, political and scientific achievement.  Twenty-years into independence and self rule, the state of the union has dramatically deteriorated.  The political will of the people has been trodden upon, whilst institutions of democracy (courts and legislature) have been compromised.  Endemic corruption, a pandemic AIDS/HIV crisis and gross human rights violations threaten the nation's existence.  As a result of the unprecedented political and economic crises compounded by an unemployment rate of above 75 percent, more than 4 million intelligent and skilled middle class Zimbabweans have left the country in search of educational and economic opportunities.  Most of these Zimbabweans reside in the United States as students, incidental immigrants and employment immigrants.

The association formally submitted a request for Temporary Protection Status in June 2003 with the Secretary of State of the host country, United States.  Several consultative meetings between the association leadership the U.S. State Department, Department of Homeland Security have been held in response to the request to protect Zimbabweans from deportation.  As of now, the United States government has not granted the request but continues to monitor the situation in Zimbabwe. 

As we await a response, the association advises Zimbabweans residing in the U.S. to apply for political asylum or seek other immigration avenues to legalize their stay in the host country.  The association believes the future of the country also lies in the Zimbabweans abroad who must continue to pressure the Zimbabwe government for a peaceful democratic change.  Zimbabweans abroad need to continue with their education, acquire skills, in preparation for the post crisis Zimbabwe.