WEST PALM BEACH — A man named Cadet roared with the crowd as it chanted for protection in a country they're afraid to leave. The thousands of Haitians who gathered in front of the Federal Building on Clematis Street on Friday afternoon credit America for saving their lives. It is here where they found work so they could provide for the families they left in Haiti.

But many Haitians across the country are here illegally and are afraid to return to Haiti, a country broken so many years ago. They are now fighting for temporary protected status so they can remain in America without fear of being deported.

Friday's was the third rally in seven months organized by the Haitian Citizen United Task Force of Palm Beach County. It drew busloads of people from as far away as Miami and Orlando to downtown West Palm Beach.

Cadet, who now calls Delray Beach his home, voiced his hope that things would change under the new administration.

"I have been in America for 12 years. I love America," said Cadet, 39, who did not want to give his last name because his political asylum request was denied. "I believe Obama will do something."

The thousands of people who spilled into the street all hope President Obama will hear them. Last month, Obama signed an executive order allowing Liberians in the United States to remain here for one year. Haitians want the same thing.

Ravaged by four storms last year, the already poor and unstable country is in such dire straits that even Haitian President Rene Preval has asked the U.S. to grant Haitians temporary protected status, which means those living here illegally could stay and obtain work authorization until conditions in Haiti improve.

Temporary protected status is usually granted to nations in the midst of an armed conflict or an environmental disaster. In the past, it has been given to natives of Somalia, Burundi, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Sudan.

Because of Haiti's natural disasters that killed thousands and left many homeless, some wonder why the country hasn't been granted temporary protected status.

"We understand the president has the economy to deal with, but we don't want to be forgotten," said the Rev. Roland Desormeaux of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Delray Beach. "We have to make noise."

Though supporters contend that many of the Haitians living here illegally are taxpayers who should not be arrested, Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Nicole Navas has said that they are still breaking the law.

"We are still enforcing immigration laws," Navas has said. "Those with final orders of removal will remain in custody." Haitians are confident Obama will help. "That's why he says, 'Yes we can,''" said Ony Tima, 38, of Delray Beach.

source: Palm Beach Post