Relief to Haitians Living in U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Janet Napolitano, has determined that an 18-month designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti is warranted because of the devastating earthquake and aftershocks which occurred on January 12, 2010. As a result, Haitians in the United States (and other individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) are unable to return safely to their country.
TPS is a temporary immigration benefit provided to citizens of specified countries, when it is determined that the particular country has experienced an environmental disaster or an armed conflict, rendering it unsafe or impossible for citizens of that country to return. TPS allows citizens of the specified country to remain legally in the U.S. for a specified period of time, and to work.
Haitians who were present in the U.S. on January 12, 2010 may be eligible to apply for TPS, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. for 18 months. Living in the U.S. without legal immigration status does NOT, by itself, bar eligibility for TPS. Once the notice of TPS for Haitians is published in the Federal Register, eligible Haitians living in the U.S. will have 180 days to apply for TPS. It is expected that the notice will be published on January 21, 2010. To apply, eligible Haitians must submit Form I-821, Form I-765, and the respective filing fees. Detailed information about the fees and supporting documentation that must be included can be found on
the USCIS web site.
It is expected that 100,000 to 200,000 Haitians living in the U.S. are eligible for TPS.
TPS is a temporary immigration benefit provided to citizens of specified countries, when it is determined that the particular country has experienced an environmental disaster or an armed conflict, rendering it unsafe or impossible for citizens of that country to return. TPS allows citizens of the specified country to remain legally in the U.S. for a specified period of time, and to work.
Haitians who were present in the U.S. on January 12, 2010 may be eligible to apply for TPS, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. for 18 months. Living in the U.S. without legal immigration status does NOT, by itself, bar eligibility for TPS. Once the notice of TPS for Haitians is published in the Federal Register, eligible Haitians living in the U.S. will have 180 days to apply for TPS. It is expected that the notice will be published on January 21, 2010. To apply, eligible Haitians must submit Form I-821, Form I-765, and the respective filing fees. Detailed information about the fees and supporting documentation that must be included can be found on
the USCIS web site.
It is expected that 100,000 to 200,000 Haitians living in the U.S. are eligible for TPS.