USCIS Extends TPS for Haiti

USCIS extended temporary protected status (TPS) for Haiti for an additional 18 months.  TPS is a humanitarian program when Haitians who have resided in the United States since January 12, 2011 are permitted to stay and obtain work authorization.  TPS provides temporary protection only, and does not itself lead to permanent residency or citizenship.  TPS can be lost with the conviction of two misdemeanors or one felony.

To be eligible for TPS, applicants must register with USCIS.  For Haitians who already have TPS must re-register by November 30, 2012.  TPS protection for Haitians will last through July 22, 2014.

The USCIS press release can be found here.

By:  William J. Kovatch, Jr.
(703) 837-8832

Syria Given Temporary Protected Status

Due to the upheaval in Syria, the U.S. Government has designated it a temporary protected status ("TPS") country. Nationals of Syria may apply for TPS and work authorization. TPS allows a person the remain in the United States, but it does not lead to permanent residency status.

Syrians may apply for TPS up until September 25, 2012. TPS will remain in effect until September 30, 2013, unless extended by the United States.

For more information, see the USCIS website.