Deadline Approaching for Haiti TPS
We've got another major TPS announcement. The registration period for TPS Haiti has been extended six additional months, until January 18, 2011. Check our site for more details.
As we've continued to post updates on the situation in Haiti, our readers have continued to post comments with questions on immigration benefits for Haitians. We received comments focused on five areas in particular, and wanted to post answers for each:
Since announcing the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), USCIS has received thousands of applications. In reviewing these applications, we've noticed the following problems:
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.
In the wake of the earthquakes that struck Haiti, USCIS has received many questions from prospective parents concerned about Haitian children they are seeking to adopt.
Just returned home from Miami International Airport. To witness so many Haitian orphans arrive in the United States with absolutely nothing other than the clothes on their backs, terrified but with eyes wide open was nothing short of life-changing. It is a privilege to be a USCIS employee and able to play a role, however small, in helping ease the suffering of these children.You can find more information about adopting a child from Haiti in our "Questions & Answers: Information for U.S. Citizens in the process of adopting a child from Haiti". Also, those interested in the inter-country adoption process can find more information here. Please continue to check the USCIS website for updates and information.
As I write this, I am boarding a plane on my way home from New York City. While there, it was my privilege to join Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor David Patterson in announcing the creation of the New York Haitian Earthquake Family Resource Center at the New York National Guard Armory at 1579 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn.
Our hearts are with you, the people of Haiti. The tragedy you have endured, the losses you have suffered, and the uncertainties you are facing affect us deeply.
Labels: Director's Posts, Haiti, TPS
The devastating earthquakes in Haiti have made it both dangerous and virtually impossible for most Haitian nationals living in the U.S. to return to their country in the near future. To help protect those who might otherwise be repatriated to a nation struggling to recover, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010.