Haitians in U.S. Get Renewed TPS (Temporary Protected Status)

After the massive earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010, the United States authorized Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti's citizens who were already residing in the United States.

However, because TPS can only be authorized for a maximum of 18 months at a time, the expiration date was set in July of 2011. Good news has just arrived from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano: Haitian TPS will be extended for an additional eighteen months for Haitians currently residing in the United States.

If you are a current recipient of Haitian TPS (because you were residing in the U.S. when the earthquake hit Haiti), you will probably be expected to reapply for your status and a work permit. (Details on the procedures have not yet been announced.) Keep your eyes on the USCIS website for instructions on the TPS extension.

There's also good news for Haitians who don't already have TPS: If you arrived in the United States up to one year after the earthquake, perhaps on a visitor visa or other authorized form of entry, you can also apply for TPS. Again, watch the USCIS website for details.