Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian Nationals Extended
Wednesday, October 10th, 2012The Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is extending the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months from January 23, 2013 through July 22, 2014. The extension allows currently eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through July 22, 2014.
This notice also sets forth procedures necessary for nationals of Haiti (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) to re-register for TPS and to apply for renewal of their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Re-registration is limited to persons who have previously registered for TPS under the designation of Haiti and whose applications have been granted. Certain nationals of Haiti (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) who have not previously applied for TPS may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions, if they meet: (1) At least one of the late initial filing criteria and (2) all TPS eligibility criteria (including continuous residence in the United States since January 12, 2011, and continuous physical presence in the United States since July 23, 2011).
USCIS will issue new EADs with a July 22, 2014 expiration date to eligible Haitian TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs under this extension. Given the timeframes involved with processing TPS re-registration applications, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes that all re-registrants may not receive new EADs until after their current EADs expire on January 22, 2013. Accordingly, this Notice automatically extends the validity of EADs issued under the TPS designation of Haiti for 6 months, from January 22, 2013 through July 22, 2013, and explains how TPS beneficiaries and their employers may determine which EADs are automatically extended and their impact on the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify processes.
DATES: The 18-month extension of the TPS designation of Haiti is effective January 23, 2013, and will remain in effect through July 22, 2014. The 60-day re-registration period begins October 1, 2012 and will remain in effect until November 30, 2012.
If you are interested in filing for TPS, please contact us to discuss your immigration options.
