Immigration Benefits Available To Guatemalans Reminded By USCIS
Considering the Tropical Storm Agatha, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reminded Guatemalans of certain immigration benefits available to them. These immigration benefits are available only on request to eligible Guatemalans. Taking into account the fact that an individual will face difficulties in maintaining his lawful immigrant status when there is a natural disaster, USCIS has decided to lend a helping hand with temporary relief measures for eligible Guatemalan nationals.
A Guatemalan national can request for an extension if his nonimmigrant status is about to expire, provided he complies with certain requirements. Though immigrants under B-1 and B-2 can secure an extension they are not permitted to work in the United States.
Along with the extension application Guatemalan nationals have to provide proof that the Tropical Storm Agatha was the reason for their failure to return to Guatemala before the expiration of their nonimmigrant status. Individuals who were in nonimmigrant status on May 29, 2010 will be allowed to file extension until July 29, 2010, after which they will be dealt on a case-by-case basis.
Guatemalan nationals who have already been granted parole can apply for a re-parole by submitting an expired or unexpired Form I-94, which has an expiration date between May 29, 2010 and July 29, 2010. If the extension is granted, the Guatemalan can file Form I-765 to request for employment authorization. Also, if a Guatemalan’s advance parole authorization expires between May 29, 2010 and July 29, 2010, their advance parole status will automatically be extended by USCIS.
On the other hand, F-1 academic students can apply for employment authorization based on the fact that their family is facing severe economic hardship and is not able to financially support their studies due to the natural disaster.
The processing of certain applications and petitions of Guatemalans will be accelerated by USCIS considering the urge for immediate relief. Form I-131 will be expedited to enable Guatemalan nationals travel quickly during an emergency.