Like so many Americans, my heart is with the millions of people in Haiti affected by this week's earthquake, at least 50,000 of whom have died. My Church, the Episcopal Church, has its largest diocese in Haiti, and like all other social institutions in Haiti, has been profoundly devastated by this week's tragedy. I write to thank you for your pledge of $100 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance and your Administration's decision to halt the removal and return, for the time being, of Haitian refugees in the United States. In addition to these things, I urge three other important steps: First, I urge you to work with lawmakers to ensure that, beyond the $100 million commitment to humanitarian assistance, our nation commits to both short-term and long-term sustained investment in efforts to rebuild Haiti and provide American infrastructural and personnel support. Second, I urge your Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian immigrants in the United States. Granting TPS would not only provide relief to a country that is facing devastation, but would also provide relief to thousands of Haitians already in this country. TPS has been granted in the past to nationals of countries facing similar natural disasters (Honduras and Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and El Salvador after an earthquake in 2001). Under current circumstances Haiti will be unable to handle the return of its nationals, a significant component of the criteria for granting TPS. Haitian President Rene Preval has requested TPS to the US administration after the humanitarian crisis the country confronted in the wake of four deadly storms in 2008. Haiti was still recovering from that devastation when this week's earthquake hit Port-au-Prince. Third, it is imperative that you direct the Department of Homeland Security to revise and end its current interdiction and return policy for Haitian migrants rescued at sea. The present moment must be one of unparalleled American generosity and friendship to our neighbors just hundreds of miles to the south. I am confident that this is only the beginning of what our nation will need to do in response to the current suffering of the Haitian people. I am also confident, however, that the American people will stand alongside you in everything you do to end the suffering of our Haitian brothers and sisters. With thanks for your leadership,