On May 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to allow Haitian nationals and “individuals without nationality who last resided in Haiti” the opportunity to file an application to live and work in the United States. Haitians currently residing in the United States as of May 21 can file an initial application for TPS, if they meet eligibility requirements. More than 100,000 are eligible to apply for the TPS extension.
In announcing the extension, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said,
“Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Federal immigration law recognizes that some immigrants merit legal relief when they have been victims of abuse, persecution, violence, or other dangerous situations. Temporary Protected Status grants a work permit and reprieve from deportation to certain people whose countries have experienced natural disasters, armed conflicts or exceptional situations so they can remain temporarily in the United States.
Over 325,000 TPS recipients from 11 countries including Burma, Somalia, El Salvador and Haiti live in the U.S., according to the National Immigration Law Center.
Godoy Law Office is an established immigration law firm in Chicago and Lombard, Illinois, with attorneys who are ready to help you interpret the law as it applies in your case and apply for legal immigration status if you are eligible. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 312-736-0359.
Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties.
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