ARLENE L. BOAS 330 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead, NY 11552 (516)481-3339
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HAITI TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS) EXTENDED QUALIFYING RESIDENCE PERIOD EXPANDED
On April 17, 2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that TPS will be extended for an additional 18 months allowing those who qualify to live and to work in the United States until January 22, 2013. Those who entered by January 12, 2010 and applied in 2010 and qualified can apply to renew their TPS status. ***In a somewhat surprising development, Secretary Napolitano stated the U.S. will also allow those Haitians who entered the U.S. up to one year after the earthquake, who have resided in the U.S. continuously since January 12, 2011, to also apply, even if they did not previously meet the deadline of arriving before the earthquake. *** To qualify for Haitian TPS, applicants must have continuously resided in the United States since no later than January 12, 2011, either be of Haitian nationality or have last resided in Haiti, and meet the requirements for TPS. Therefore, those with a conviction for a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the United States are not eligible. There are also several other disqualifying factors, so consult us to see if you qualify. Several factors, however, which disqualify persons from many other types of relief do not prevent you from obtaining TPS. The manner of your entry, whether with or without a visa, on parole, or otherwise, is not considered, provided you arrived on U.S. soil by the deadline. Also, if you were placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, even if you were ordered deported, you can still apply for and be granted TPS. TPS will entitle you to employment authorization and permission to remain in the United States up to 18 months, or the later termination or successive renewal period of the TPS designation for Haiti. You can also apply for permission to leave the United States and later return. It is important not to depart from the U.S. before applying for TPS and, if necessary, for permission to travel abroad. If you would like us to register you for TPS, we can prepare your application. If you have questions regarding your eligiblity, we can offer you a consultation with Farah M. Jean-Simon, our Haitian-American French and Creole-speaking attorney. Call us at 516-481-3339 or toll free at 800-870-5790 to find out about the requirements and the fees. If you are unable to come to our offices in West Hempstead, we can complete the process by telephone and by mail, regardless which state you live in. Feel confident you are dealing with a reputable licensed attorney, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Don't delay -- the application period is short. -- Arlene L. Boas |
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