West Laurel
- Virginia May Geis
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Local news covering the West Laurel and Burtonsville areas
Nationwide Policy Actions Can Have Local and Personal Impacts
A recent action by the U.S. Government has hit close to home in West Laurel. The current administration sought to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Haitian nationals living in the United States under protective status because of the dangerous situation in their home country. For decades, Haiti has been plagued with widespread, violent crime and atrocities across the country, resulting in a humanitarian disaster and leading to the deployment of several multinational forces since 1994 to help the Haitian Government improve the situation on the ground. For many years, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deemed Haiti too dangerous for U.S. citizens to travel to but, at the same time, has declared the country safe enough to force Haitians living in the U.S. under TPS to return home. The protected status was originally set to expire as of February 3, but as of mid-March had gained at least a temporary reprieve when a judge issued an order blocking the action. If TPS for Haitians is ultimately revoked, it would make it illegal for someone with this status to work in the United States.
How does this relate to West Laurel? Many of the 165,000 Haitians living in Maryland are in Montgomery County and the West Laurel area. They have been our neighbors, friends, and active community members for many years. My own family was hit particularly hard by the administration’s actions. My adult disabled daughter had a very special woman as a caregiver who tackled every situation imaginable with a smile—this angel is Haitian and had protected status. She was in our country legally; however, because of her family’s complicated immigration status—and her outright fear of any potential action by U.S. authorities—this gifted woman and her husband decided it would be better for their young family to move to Canada. We need to keep in mind that national actions, even when they seem to be far remote, are impacting families in our community.
West Laurel Civic Association
The West Laurel Civic Association will hold a community yard sale on Saturday, June 6 from 8 am until 1 pm at the T. Howard Duckett Building. There will be 22 tables available to rent; the fee per parking spot is $15 per spot, and $5 to rent a table—first come, first served. Participants may bring their own tables and camp chairs. There may be a limited number of chairs available to borrow, so that will also be first come, first served. The event will take place rain or shine; in case of rain, the first 21 spaces will be inside. All others should bring a tent or umbrella. Get rid of your household items, appliances, games, puzzles, books, baby and kids items, candles, dishes, tools, and holiday ornaments! Contact Cassandra to sign up to be a seller: ctseckares@comcast.net
Burtonsville Burger King Reopens after Renovation
The Burger King in Burtonsville has reopened after undergoing major renovations to keep up with the rejuvenated Burtonsville Crossing. As the last remaining business from the old version of Burtonsville Crossing, it was time for a new look. The new BK has an updated interior and exterior, as well as two drive-thru lanes, but the menu is the same.
If you want to contact me, write to me at westlaurelvoices@gmail.com, and please call me Ginny.
Virginia May Geis is a native of Laurel and a graduate of Laurel High School, class of 1975. After a few decades away, she has been a Laurel resident again, since 2018.
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