TPS Announced for Haitians in the U.S.

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the USCIS announced today that it would grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitians living in the U.S. on January 12, 2010.

The six-month registration period began on Jan. 21, 2010, and continues through July 20, 2010. During these period, Haitian nationals who have been physically present in the U.S. since January 12, must file an application that will grant them 18 months of legal status and employment authorization. The application must be postmarked on or before the last day of the registration period. Registration is by filing both an Application for Temporary Protected Status, Form I-821, and an Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765, with any appropriate fees (see table below) or fee waiver requests, and supporting documentation. For most, filing fees are $130 plus an additional $340 for employment authorization.

Supporting documents include: (1) Two color passport-style photographs of yourself; (2) Evidence of Haitian nationality; and (3) Evidence that you have continuously resided in the United States since January 12, 2010; and have been continuously physically present in the United States since Jan. 21, 2010.

All Haitians living in the U.S. who are not permanent residents are urged to apply.

We will have much more information on this matter soon.