International Institute of Rhode Island Conducts Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Registration for Nationals of Haiti
>> Saturday, January 23, 2010
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The International Institute of Rhode Island has announced that it will be processing Haitian TPS registration applications until July 15, 2010.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for nationals of Haiti until July 21, 2011. This extension covers approximately 100,000 to 200,000 nationals of Haiti located throughout the United States.
USCIS has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to nationals of Haiti, due to the recent devastating earthquake, for 18 months. TPS is a temporary legal status given by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to citizens of a certain country in cases of emergency. Those who are granted TPS are able to live and work in the United States legally for the duration of the status, but TPS does not lead to adjustment to legal permanent residency. When the 18 months is over, the DHS Secretary can decide to renew the status or to let it expire.
Who is Eligible: Most nationals of Haiti who were physically present in the United States on the date of the earthquake, January 12, 2010, and apply for TPS before the end of the registration period on July 21, 2010, are eligible. Haitians who arrived in the United States after January 12, 2010 are not eligible for TPS. For questions about qualifying, please contact the International Institute of Rhode Island at (401) 461-5940.
How to Apply: To apply for TPS, most Haitians will need to submit a TPS application (I-821), and, regardless of whether the individual intends to work, an Employment Authorization application (I-765). Applicants must provide evidence that they are of Haitian nationality and that they were physically present in the United States on January 12, 2010. Applicants must also submit two passport-size photos.
The application fee that most Haitians will have to pay to USCIS will total $470.
The International Institute of Rhode Island will help Haitians apply for TPS. The International Institute is a non-profit agency providing services to the immigrant and refugee community of Rhode Island. The Institute has a staff of federally accredited immigration caseworkers, trained and experienced in all areas of immigration procedures, including TPS applications.
Individuals interested in having the International Institute assist them with TPS applications should make an appointment by contacting IIRI at (401) 461-5940 or by coming to the International Institute's Feinstein Center for Citizenship and Immigration Services office at 645 Elmwood Avenue in Providence.
The International Institute will charge a fee of $75 to prepare and file applications. Applicants should bring proper documentation, including passports, ID cards, birth certificates and other significant documents.
For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call the International Institute at (401) 461-5940.
International Institute Rhode Island, founded in 1921, is an independent non-profit agency serving immigrant, refugee, and native-born individuals and families. Our mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people.
