Haiti and Immigration: Confronting the Rumors
We've heard a number of rumors circulating about the help USCIS is providing to those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Three of the most common rumors are listed below and followed by the facts:
To stay informed, please continue to visit USCIS.gov, where we post information as it becomes available. If you are unsure about anything you may have heard relating to this topic, please leave a comment in our comment section.
Rumor #1 - People may fly to Haiti to bring back one adult and one child.
The facts: Only those who are otherwise eligible to be admitted in a valid immigration status or have been granted humanitarian parole will be allowed to enter the United States lawfully from Haiti. Anyone traveling to Haiti to bring family to the United States should confirm that their relative falls within one of these categories before making the difficult journey.
Rumor #2 - You can pay someone $5000 (or any amount) to get a visa for your family in Haiti.
The facts: People may seek to take advantage of visa applicants by offering to obtain the visa for $5000 or some other sum of money. No one can guarantee that paying $5000 (or any amount) for their assistance will result in the granting of a visa for a family member in Haiti. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of immigration fraud, please see our "Don't Be a Victim of Immigration Fraud" webpage.
Rumor #3 - USCIS will delay adjudication of any non-Haitian applications and petitions.
The facts: USCIS had taken steps to allocate all available resources to handle the influx of Haiti TPS/earthquake relief-related applications while continuing to process its pre-existing workload. There may be some delays due to the increased workload generated by the Haiti relief efforts, but USCIS is processing applications received from all applicants and petitioners.
Rumor #4 - There is a fee charged to make an InfoPass appointment.
The facts: InfoPass appointments are free. You can schedule your InfoPass appointment online.
Rumor #5 - USCIS charges a fee to download or obtain Temporary Protected Status forms.
The facts: All USCIS forms are available at no charge on our website or by calling the USCIS Forms hotline at (800) 870-3676.
posted by USCIS Blog Team @ 3:46 PM
80 Comments
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80 Comments:
I'll be honest, I think the "Rumor #3" is a solid fact. As devastating the earthquake was, I think it's ridiculous that they should be given a higher priority than people that have been waiting months if not years. If you want to help then you should hire more people, focus on process improvement and streamlining the immigration process. I'm so sick and tired of waiting.. Five months to process an I-129F is completely unacceptable. I think the Vermont Service Center has shut down all non-Haitian adjudication.
I'm agree. Processing times for I-129F at Vermont went from averaging 54 days Aug-Oct. To nearly 95% of November cases still pending. I can't wait until the next election, so I can try to affect some change in the administrative positions.
I agree that Rumor #3 seems to have more truth to it. I too am a Nov I-129F filer and have not seen any progress. What upsets me is that I am a productive tax paying citizen who paid a $400+ processing fee to the USCIS/VSC and can't even get a decent response as to where I am in the whole I-129F process. Much less any communication as to why it appears that no I-129F applications for Nov have been processed. I don’t understand why the needs of USC don’t take precedence over non-USC. Very disheartening.
"The fact" to rumor three is that any excuse for a delay is a very poor excuse indeed. However, expect a lot of those.
There are a lot of desperate people waiting to be rescuue in Haiti; I hope thre's a way we can host some love one ;even temporary ; because the situation is more catastrophic than it seems .the suvivors won't last if we dont help them.
i have my mother that is affected by the earth quake in haiti not really physicly,but her house is collapse and she was sleeping in the street, now she is in the hospital because she's having a second stroke that's affected her badly in her brain according to one of the us doctors that went to haiti in the general hospital in port au prince base of the earth quake, her living condition is terrible, when she's discharged she'll perhaps go back sleeping in the street wich can cause her to die earlier, i would like to know in a such of terrible situation like this, how can i get her here in united states by a visa for treatment, or how the humanitarian visa can apply to her so she can get here as fast as possible as soon she get discharged from the hospital and i am a us citizen too.
We should have to do our best to help people in Haiti as we have seen they are so desperate for the help from outside world.
Rumor #3 - If we know we have an increased workload, does it not make sense to hire additional people to help with this increase which would give many out of work people the opportunity to earn a living and at the same time give ALL people the same opportunity? Most of those waiting for approval are not in much better situations.
It would help move people through the system if the USCIS would use the information already gathered at the US Embassies such as fingerprints, photos,and other documents. It makes little sense to require another round of fingerprints, photos etc just weeks after it was done. The USCIS employees should be evaluated on how much they get done not how much redtape and gum they throw in the works. I'm a US citizen helping a frustrated future citizen.
I think that it is only fair that the Haiti applications receive priority status given that fact this is an EMERGENCY situation.In addition to Haiti TPS,USCIS should also EXPEDITE the I-130 petitions also. I can imagine how it feels to be a U.S Citizen, wanting to be with their family in Haiti,which is literally so close to America that they are neighbors and cannot do so. Time is ticking....countless lives have already been lost.Anyone with a decent and unselfish heart should understand.
Since we began posting information on the situation in Haiti back in January, we’ve received many comments from our readers. We have posted information regarding Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Orphan Adoptions, and confronting rumors about Haiti and immigration, but many readers have asked about their Haitian relatives and how they can bring them to the United States.
Today we posted a new page on our website explaining who may be eligible to petition to bring certain family members to the United States from Haiti. To learn more about this click here.
I filed a I-130 and the Chicago lockbox received and sent to California Service Center verses the Vermont Service Center. My case was supposed to serviced by Vermont but instead is stuck in Californian Service Center which is known for it's back logs. I am very disapointed that our family members are put on the back burner due to this.
There seems there is a lot we do not know
Hi,
I have applied for my I129 and I539 (for my wife) on Jan 12th 2010 and waiting for the approval. Meantime I was blessed with a boy baby. Now I wonder why it's taking more than 2 months even though USCIS mentioned as 2 months for processing I129. I can understand the workload of USCIS but what makes me frustrated is that, after paying plenty of taxes and working legally for many years, why USCIS is taking so much time. Also because of this delay I am unable to concentrate on getting new jobs (even though getting many offers, I am unable to take any decision). Can anyone from USCIS will help to resolve this issue. This is not just a issue, but this is life for many of us.
Also my concern is that after waiting for so long and if USCIS sends negative decision after my current I-94 expires, what will be my position. Then I will have no time even to get a new job with new H1B or even take care of my family. Then my situation will become really worse.
Hi,
I am from one of the poorest Nations in Africa and i have lived and worked in this Great Nation for almost 9yrs and have been thoroughly assimilated into the country that i will not be able to survive in my African origin.I have lived according to the law yet adjusting my status to permanent residency is a nightmare.Is it possible that the compassionate aspect of this Great Nation grant someone like me permanent residency?
Addressing Rumor #3: For those of us who are concern about the fact that there are delays, particularly from the Vermont Service Center. Please verify that TPS applications for Haitians who are qualified are required to submit their applications to the following USCIS Serice Centers depending on your state of residence: Chicago, IL 6060; 6063; Dallas, TX 75266; Lewisville, TX 75067; Phoenix, AZ 85074 and 85034. There is no mention of the Vermont Service Center on the Federal register for submitting application for TPS.
Unless I am mistaking, I don't think TPS for the Haitians is the only cause for the delays at the Vermont Service Center, or if at all it is cause of the delays.
This is an agency that made lots of improvement in the past years. Their receipts notice process has improve greatly; their use of the internet to notify you if you choose to sign for the service online is awesome, their agents are friendlier in comparison to some I have come across in the pass, you can call their 800 number for information, etc...
Take it from me, they improved...greatly!
Those of us who had received services under the INS before the agency change name to USCIS, you know what I am talking about.
Is there any room for more improvement? Absolutely!
We all have to find room for improvement.
I understand the anxiety of waiting for two months can sometimes feel like a year.Please take in consideration: verification for proper documents, background checks and many other sensitive information that needs to be verified, must go through the standards required by the Agency.
Meanwhile we are waiting for a decision, let us find something to keep our minds off the duration of the process--before you know it.... "VOILA."
Enjoy!
Wilhem S. Benravil
These are compelling reasons why our efforts must continue to curb this type of abuse but there should also be a balance for humanitarian purposes.
people, let's have a little bit of heart here alright, first of all i am an american citizen and iu have family in haiti. my husband and child actually survived the earthquake PRAISE GOD.haiti is like a war zone right now food is expensive, no job, no school, the country is pretty much shut down. of course USCIS should do everything in their power to help us and expedite the i 130 so that the lawful citizens of this country can reunite with their families. if that means hold back other applications then so be it... my country is in a STATE OF EMERGENCY PEOPLE. and i am ever so grateful for what the states is doing right now to help us. as they would do for any other country should they ever be in that situation... God forbid... stop being so thoughtless and heartless people... alright... complaining ain't gonna help nothing.
"The fact" to rumor three is that any excuse for a delay is a very poor excuse indeed. However, expect a lot of those.
Also my concern is that after waiting for so long and if USCIS sends negative decision after my current I-94 expires, what will be my position. Then I will have no time even to get a new job with new H1B or even take care of my family. Then my situation will become really worse.
I think we should have to do our best to help people in Haiti as we have seen they are so desperate for the help from outside world. I have read new page on our website explaining who may be eligible to petition to bring certain family members to the United States from Haiti.
It’s so informative for me.
I want to say thanks for getting your time to create this great blog!
I file I 130 for my parents in Haiti, I am a US citizen. I requested expedited service, it takes only one month to get the approval. I have to say that I was afraid when I learned that my case was sent to California but everything went quick. You guys need to keep on calling them, at least once a week, that's what I did. Now they sent my case to NVC, I am gonna request another expedited service so that my parents can be here at the end of this year.
It seems crazy you have to keep on their case so much to get something done.
With such a terrible tragedy, such abuses in immigration are natural to arise. I am grateful for the U.S. citizenship I have have and hope to help others in their effort to find the freedom we are so blessed to have here in the United States of America.
The people of Haiti deserve better!!! thanks for at least setting up this blog so that people can have a form of support and feedback. Hire more people temporarily to get through this emergency.
With something so terrible happening, the people of Haiti deserve so much better than this. This blog is a nice resource and discussion area in order to help people and provide support to get through this event.
The people of Haiti deserve better, and thanks for conveying that.
There will always be rumors, and any fact is nothing more than someones belief being passed on as a truth. The people in Haiti went through a devastating situation in an already devastating environment - God bless all that are lending a helping hand!
I think it make perfect sense to help people throughout the world when there is a natural disaster. But a disaster should not affect immigration status. It sounds to me that is exactly the position the USCIS has taken.
I agree. Maybe hiring more people to get through the backlogs would be helpful. It's sad that it's taking so long for some cases.
This is hilarious! Many people assume that the crime came about due to the Internet. People are hesitant ti migrate to other places because of frauds and scams. Fraudulent people never chooses any time and place as long as they can take advantage from others for their own profits.
As horrible as it was the laws should not be bent or broken to allow free flow immigration into our country. We can help them but I don't think we need to support them.
The biggest rumor missing in above list are two more rumors.
1. USCIS deliberately make it longer and tougher the whole application processing so that they can justify the increase the fee and get additional recourses from federal government. For me just another reason why we need private sector not big government.
2. USCIS is deliberately trying to bring conflict between spouses by making whole application process longer. One or two months is understandable as it takes time for background check and to review application. Rest of the time is just another way to make money and to bring conflict in spouses early marriage.
I like the transparency of this site. i wish we had one like it in Australia as a lot of what the government does here is kept quiet and it's hard to find out real information and not just manufactured. Keep up the good work here.
Cheers
We should pray for the soul of people of Haiti which are dead and help the people of HAITI as we have seen they are so desperate for the help from outside world.
It is nice to know that InfoPass appointments are free. Thanks for dispelling the myths.
Daniel Tétreault.
There will be rumors about everything. That is not the first time and it will not be the last one. Peolple need to pay attention on facts and be aware if the facts are trustworthy. Maybe USCIS is helping those affected by the earthquake in Haiti but everyone should help those people. The point is if they are breaking some regulaments. What is not likely.
I have to say that I was afraid when I learned that my case was sent to California but everything went quick. You guys need to keep on calling them, at least once a week, that's what I did. Now they sent my case to NVC, I am gonna request another expedited service so that my parents can be here at the end of this year.
I have to completely agree with Thomas. There are always rumors and misconceptions. Spread the truth, and combat ignorance. And ultimately we all have a responsibility to reach out and help others, whether in Haiti or our own neighborhood.
There are always fraud everywhere you turn. There are people who rejoice in gaining on others suffering. It is a good thing that these misconceptions are put to rest. It is always easy to get scammed online if you don't know what you are getting into. I hope the relief keeps coming to the people of Haiti.
people should always get information from homeland security
Can't believe there are so many such nonsense rumors on Hiati. Good that the FACTS are known now.
Homeland Security is a great resource, as well as the Red Cross. Make sure you always do your research.
malicious individuals are also busy looking for victims
seo course
I agree with some of the previous commenters that reference their own countries draconian attitude to information sharing. In the UK, we raise the terror threat level but leave people hanging as to what they should actually do- at least you're giving out some information and basis on which to make a decision- well done
I think the rumor no 3 is a solid one. If you want to help the people on priority then you have to hire more people.....
It's funny how all of the rumors took off because it appears they are somewhat true. Like #2, the site doesn't deny that people are charging $5,000 to get visa's it just says that no amount of money can guarantee you a visa. Probably some reporter heard a rumor, wrote a story and then it got blown out of proportion in order to sell newspapers.
thanks for sharing the most common rumors about Haiti...any clarification about this issue?
We still remember what happened and experienced by the Haitian. disaster that has resulted in a long thing not only for the victims, but also for those who survived. Thanks.
The opening paragraph indicated that there were 3 rumors, but the body includes 5. Just curious if they were added later.
I agree with most of the comments here. I would only add that small businesses especially have a duty to help do what they can. A disaster of such magnitude wipes many businesses off of the face of the planet. Thus, not only do people have a duty to help people, but businesses have a duty to help as well.
I think it make perfect sense to help people throughout the world when there is a natural disaster.
If there are children in Haiti without parents, or who's parents cannot provide a decent quality of life for their children then there should be a way to get those children adopted by couples here who are not able to have children of their own
The Haiti should survive by themselves. The USIS should be look after the nation.
Santanez
There will be rumors about everything. That is not the first time and it will not be the last one. Peolple need to pay attention on facts and be aware if the facts are trustworthy.
I think the rumors have also caused people to focus their attention less on domestic concerns and more on hearsay. We have issues here that need to be addressed. Haiti is under control.
Like you said, these are rumors. Visas are never sold in the US. Beware of SCAMS.
Our hearts go out to all the people affected in Haiti - especially now the media spotlight is no longer on the people as they rebuild their lives.
As another more interesting story takes center stage - Egypt and the Middle East - Haiti has gone on the back burner. How are the people coping there is no longer of interest to the mainstream and consequently ordinary folks. Haiti needs continued support and we as their most powerful and advanced neighbor can and should do more.
There are a lot of desperate people waiting to be rescuue in Haiti; I hope thre's a way we can host some love one ;even temporary ; because the situation is more catastrophic than it seems .the suvivors won't last if we dont help them.
#2 is very wrong. People shouldn't take advantage of others like this in such a situation. We really should do more to help victims of natural disasters like this and the tsunami and earthquake in Japan.
I think that the recent tsunami in Japan is one that will experience much of the same gossip and rumors that Haiti did. It's important that people remember that there are people in need, and we shouldn't worry about the gossip. Just do your part where you can.
I think we need to keep focus on our problems here in the usa. I know these other countries need help but so does our country. I hope we can get our country under control.
Without a doubt it is reprehensible to prey on those who have been the victim of a natural disaster. I hope people check it out here before they spend there money on a scam.
It's a tough situation when a country needs to give aid. No country has yet solved all of it's own problems, so how can they reach out to other countries? On the other hand, standing by and watching other countries suffer is not an option.
I can't believe anyone actually bought into the you can bring one person back to the USA with you. I'm blown away.
I absolutely agree with rumor no. 3. I've been waiting for a long time completing the procedure for I-129F. There seemed to be no progress all throughout the process and that's really devastating.
I just wish there was a way to take all the help offered directly to the people and bypass the government.
Very nice post. Help me a lot. I am gonna share it on my facebook profile now. :D:D:D
In my opinion all people struck by disaster should be able to seek refuge in neighboring countries and regions without threats or penalties.
$5000 is a bit much O_O
I thanks to all of yours, for the Blessing shared wit my Pepoles. It is a rumor said pepoles ben living in USA sens 2000 tru 2009 will have they stays situations reconcidered.
I will be interessted to no the trut.
Sincerly God Blesse.
I don really know why USCIS take lies about helping us as haitian, we human please, we love our love ones like you guys....you guys take soo long for anything, eventhough we pay and we believe when your office the processing time is 6 months, specially Vermont we believe in that, we stress about it, we can'y wait to have a mail....why you guys play with our personalities, our brain, most of us are tired of that processing time, if you guys need more money to give a better service let us know, we need to pay to have our love ones living with no stress for Green Card. Abouut the TPS you guys still let them wait, they can't even looking for jobs, they suffering, they can have stroke at any moment in their lives...please, Vermont ask for a rise at the end we will receive a better service...If i knock your door, is because I need you, i need your help, help means save life, open brain, get relax.....May God bless you and give you an open brainto understand needy peopple!!!!!
really very nice article i like this ...
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Great Article. Its good to know what is going on out there. Keep it coming!
USCIS had taken steps to allocate all available resources to handle the influx of Haiti TPS/earthquake relief-related applications while continuing to process its pre-existing workload.
Thanks for your share...
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Can't believe there are so many such nonsense rumors on Hiati. Good that the FACTS are known now.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
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I don really know why USCIS take lies about helping us as haitian, we human please, we love our love ones like you guys....
Hi awsome blog you made some awsome points with it i will add you to my favorites.
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