Immigration Relief, Visas and Work Authorization for Haiti Earthquake Victims

January 15, 2010- The USCIS has authorized immigration benefits and relief for Haitians affected by the Haiti earthquake. The memorandum provides guidance to USCIS officers on how to provide different forms of visa-related benefits to victims. According to the new specifications, the USCIS will expedite processing of Haitian applications for change or extension of status, grant work authorization where necessary, grant additional period of parole or advance parole where necessary. USCIS will also expedite the processing of advance parole applications and relative petitions for minor children from affected areas.

Those who are in the United States on visitor B-1 or B-2 visas but unable to return timely may file and receive an extension of stay. Those unable to pay the filing fees may request a waiver of such. Those who remain in the U.S. past the expiration of their I-94s may be permitted extension of time under parole. F-1 Students who are unable to continue to afford the cost of their study may be permitted to obtain work authorization allowing off-campus employment. Humanitarian Parole will be considered where appropriate urgent humanitarian need requires.

pdf [Review the USCIS Memorandum on Relief For Haitian Earthquake Victims]

Humanitarian Parole Policy For Immigration of Haitian Orphans

January 18, 2010- Secretary Napolitano of the Department of Homeland Security has announced a policy permitting humanitarian parole for certain Haitian children. This permits orphaned Haitian children to enter the United States temporarily on an individual basis to receive necessary and adequate care. Eligible children include those in the process of being adopted by Americans prior to January 12, 2010; Children who have been identified by an adoption service provider or facilitator as eligible for inter-country adoption and matched to prospective American adoptive parents prior to January 12, 2010; and additional children that have been orphaned and/or separated from relatives in varying stages of the adoption process.

pdf [Review the Fact Sheet on Haitian Humanitarian Parole Policy]

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Immigration Benefits for Haitians

January 19, 2010- The USCIS has announced a temporary protected status (TPS) benefit for Haitians affected by the earthquake. The TPS designation is initially authorized for a period of 18 months. Under this provision, Haitians who remain in continual physical presence in the United States may apply for temporary protected status (TPS) and be eligible for employment authorization as well as travel documents (Advance Parole). Qualified applications may remain in the U.S. lawfully during the period of the designation. The USCIS recently published an advance copy of the Federal Register announcing the designation.

pdf [Review the Advance Copy of the Federal Register for TPS Status for Haitians]

FAQS- Haitian Relief Measures, Visas and Work Authorization

January 19, 2010- The USCIS recently authorized immigration benefits and relief for Haitians affected by the Haiti earthquake. This memorandum provides answers to frequently asked question on the visa-related benefits, expedited processing of Haitian applications for change or extension of status, work authorization as well as parole benefits for affected Haitians.

pdf [Review the USCIS FAQs on Relief For Haitian Earthquake Victims]

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