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TPS Extended for Sudan and Southern Sudan – Only 340 Anticipated to be Eligible

Chris Gafner — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:20:10 +0000

Last week, the government extended temporary protected status (TPS) for Sudan and Southern Sudan. The extension is suppose to be for an additional 18 months. Surprisingly, it is expected that only about 340 individuals will be eligible to continue temporary protected status in the United States.

Haitian TPS Pro Bono Clinic

Chris Gafner — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:04:34 +0000

Haitian nationals are reminded that the deadline to re-register for TPS status is August 22, 2011. To help Haitians prepare their applications for re-registration, the Queens Public Library will be hosting a free Haitian TPS Application Assistance Event on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Haitian TPS Extended To Haitians Entering US After Earthquake

Chris Gafner — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:45:00 +0000

On May 19, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security extended Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until January 22, 2013. Those Haitians who have already obtained TPS status will most likely need to re-register for the status.

An important addition to the Haitian TPS is that TPS is now available to Haitians who entered the United States after the devastating earthquake, but before January 12, 2011. Previously, only Haitians who were in the US at the time of the earthquake could seek TPS status.

There are many limitations to obtaining Haitian TPS. If you think you are eligible, please contact a New York City Immigration Attorney to set up a consultation.

Free New York Haitian TPS Redesignation Event – June 11, 2011

Chris Gafner — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:17:27 +0000

The immigration bar and many legal aid organizations are offering a free program to New York City Haitians who need to re-register for TPS (Temporary Protected Status).

The event, on June 11, 2011, will be hosted by the PYE Beacon, P.S. 181, at 1023 New York Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203 and is scheduled to end at 3 pm.

Haiti was recently re-designated for Temporary Protected Status for another 18 months. All Haitians who have been in the United States continuously since January 12, 2010 should inquire into whether they are eligible for TPS status.

Haitian TPS Extended Until 2013

Chris Gafner — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:22:05 +0000

The USCIS has announced that it is extending temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitian nationals until January 22, 2013. This extension is 18 months in length and applies to all Haitians who currently possess TPS. The Government originally granted TPS to Haitians following the devastating earthquake that occurred in January 2010, and is meant to provide humanitarian relief and protection as the Haitian nation gets back on its feet.

Currently, it is estimated that about 48,000 Haitians are in TPS status. For more information, please visit the firm’s Haitian TPS webpage.

Haitian Deportations To Resume This Month

Chris Gafner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:22:54 +0000

The New York Times is reporting that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is planning to resume its removal of Haitians from the United States. Following the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the U.S. government stopped Haitian removals and deportations because of the conditions in Haiti.

The U.S. government has indicated that the Haitians who will be removed will be convicted felons.

Haitian TPS (Temporary Protected Status) is set to continue until at least July.

Somalian TPS Extended

Chris Gafner — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:51:55 +0000

The United States government has extended the temporary protected status (TPS) for Somalians for another eighteen months. Somalians are now eligible for TPS until September 17, 2012.

Temporary Protected Status is provided to nationals of certain countries that have suffered from a nationwide disaster, including natural disasters and military conflicts. TPS allows nationals who register to gain immigration status and employment authorization in the United States during the period of the TPS designation.

For more information, please visit the USCIS website.

One Month Remains For Haitian TPS Registration

Chris Gafner — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:48:26 +0000

Little over one month remains eligible Haitians to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States. Over 51,000 Haitians have applied for the status and all remaining eligible Haitians must apply by July 20, 2010. Failure to register before that date may bar otherwise eligible Haitians from receiving TPS status.

TPS status is provided by the United States to nationals of countries that experience traumatic and destructive events such as earthquakes, hurricanes and war. The status allows for eligible foreign nationals to obtain immigration status and work authorization in the United States. The TPS status is granted for eighteen months.

If you think you are eligible for Haitian TPS status and seek assistance in applying, please do not hesitate to contact a New York City Immigration Attorney.

USCIS Teleconference on Haitian TPS on June 2, 2010

Chris Gafner — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:37:41 +0000

On June 2, 2010 USCIS Director Mayorkas is scheduled to address a teleconference concerning temporary protected status for Haitians. The teleconference is scheduled to begin at 2 PM. The teleconference is meant to address questions and concerns about TPS status for Haitians.

Temporary protected status (TPS) provides immigration status to individuals for patients suffering from on complex disasters or other extraordinary conditions. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary determines whether to grant TPS to nationals of certain countries. TPS for Haitians will last for 18 months. However eligible Haitians must register by July 20 2010.

To join the call – Please dial:

Number: 1-888-989-9242

Passcode: Miami

TPS For Nicaragua and El Salvador Extended 18 Months

Chris Gafner — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:18:36 +0000

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended for an additional 18 months for qualifying Nicaraguans and Honduran. Both have been extended until 2012. TPS is granted to nationals of certain countries that are facing national disasters. TPS allows qualifying nationals to stay in the United States and gain work authorization until the United States determines that TPS should be discontinued. To learn more about Nicaraguan TPS and Honduran TPS, please visit the USCIS site.

USCIS Reminds Haitians of TPS Deadline: July 20, 2010

Chris Gafner — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:12:04 +0000

The USCIS has recently tried to remind Haitians in the United States that they must apply for Temporary Protected Status by July 20, 2010 (if they seek such a destination). Gafner Law Firm has provided a page dedicated to Haitian TPS, which includes information about free TPS clinics that are being held in New York City.

Please don’t forget the deadline – or wait until the last minute to apply.

Haitians Evacuated To USA Detained

Chris Gafner — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:57:09 +0000

Last week the New York Times ran a rather disturbing story about how Haitians who had been evacuated to the United States are now being detained in ICE facilities due to their lack of a visa. These Haitians, many of whom were seeking medical treatment when they were evacuated from Haiti, should be granted Humanitarian Parole immediately. Especially when many of them have family members who are willing to support them until they are able to return to Haiti.

These Haitians did not mean to come to the United States without the necessary immigration documents – they were merely seeking medical assistance. Why should they be treated like law breakers?

If you look at the USCIS website, or the ICE website, you see information about how the US is helping Haitians. Perhaps it is time that these agencies actually help them, and not just talk about it.

UPDATE: Almost immediately after the NY Times ran its story, ICE released these Haitians.

Free Haitian TPS Consultations in Queens

Chris Gafner — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:20:00 +0000

On March 24th, the NYC Immigrant Advocacy Initiative is leading a free immigration clinic for Haitian nationals who wish to apply for temporary protected status (TPS). The clinic will help Haitians determine their eligibility for TPS and will help qualifying individuals to prepare the correct documents and applications.

The Clinic will be held at the Queens Public Library from 5:30 to 8:30 on March 24th. The library is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432. The library is a quick walk from the 169th Street stop on the F train.

12,500 Haitian TPS Applications and Counting

Chris Gafner — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:17:00 +0000

The Washington Post is reporting that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has received over 12,500 applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Haitians since the application period started in late January. Although this is a significant number, it is imperative to remember that an estimated 200,000 Haitians are eligible for TPS status.

TPS allows qualifying individuals to remain in the United States and maintain proper work authorization. To be eligible, a Haitian must of been in the United States on January 12, 2010.

In most cases, it is necessary for Haitians to apply for TPS status before July 20, 2010.

USCIS Releases How-To video for TPS Registration

Chris Gafner — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:05:08 +0000

The USCIS has released a How-To video for Haitians seeking to file for TPS Registration. I can’t vouch for how useful (or accurate) it is – but at least USCIS is trying to get the word out.

Here is a transcript of the video.