US Offers Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Immigrants
The earthquake in Haiti recently was called “a disaster of historic proportions”. Until now Haiti had not been given temporary protected status. But the earthquake changed it all. The Department of Homeland Security has recently announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. TPS provides temporary immigration status for a specific amount of time to people of a particular nation impacted by extreme events such as wars, earthquakes or hurricanes. Haitian immigrants will be highly benefited from this move as they can stay in U.S. and work here until situations in their country improve.
Haitian communities and immigrant right groups across the USA are finding out more about the program and are encouraging many people to apply. For Haiti, the temporary protected status registration period is open from January 21, 2010 until July 20, 2010. To qualify for TPS you have to be a national of Haiti, resided in U.S. since Jan 12 2010, complete TPS application procedures and have no criminal record. All TPS applicants must file form I-765. If you do not want employment authorization, you will not have to pay a filing fee for Form I-765. The TPS status has been granted for a period of 18 months until Haiti gets back on its feet.
The Department of Homeland Security is supporting Haiti’s recovery by providing temporary refuge to Haitian nationals who are currently in the U.S. If the TPS is not provided the personal safety of Haitian nationals would be endangered by returning to Haiti.
Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano has estimated that there are 100,000 to 200,000 Haitian nationals currently in USA illegally. Temporary protected status gives the Haitian immigrants a temporary immigration status. So Haitians living in U.S. can start applying for TPS and get a chance to remain in U.S. and get work permits to work legally. The money they send back home will be highly useful to Haitians who are suffering to rebuild their country.