January 19, 2010
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) registration is expected to be available for Haitian nationals starting sometime this week. According to USCIS, the registration period will last for 180 days and eligibility will be 18 months. Although the usual fees for biometrics, work authroization and permission to travel still apply, TPS applicants may also apply for fee waivers. USCIS will accept a passport (including expired ones) or birth certificate to establish nationality and will consider also secondary evidence, if necessary.
In addition, USCIS Director Mayorkas has instructed that procedures be implemented to expedite and adjudicate favorably applications for change or extension of nonimmigrant status; grant of an additional period of parole or advance parole; authorization of "F" nonimmigrant students' request for off-campus employment work authorization; and relative petitions for minor children from affected areas. Finally, USCIS will consider granting humanitarian parole to a child from Haiti without a visa in the process of being adopted by USC parents where a final adoption decree has been issued or custody granted to USC adoptive parents.
