Deadline Nears For Haitians To Apply For Temporary Protected Status

Haitians living in the United States, including the VirginIslands, have until July 20 to apply for temporary protected status.

After the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, the U.S. governmentdesignated Haiti for temporary protected status for a period of 18months. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the secretary ofstate is authorized to designate a foreign state for temporaryprotected status if the country or region is experiencing an ongoingarmed conflict, an environmental disaster or other extraordinary andtemporary conditions.

As a result, Haitian nationals who have continuously resided inthe United States since Jan. 12 may apply for temporary protectedstatus in order to avoid deportation from the United States and tolegally obtain employment.

There is a 180-day registration period for applicants, whichbegan Jan. 21, the date Haiti was designated for temporary protectedstatus. To be eligible, individuals must submit their applicationsno later than July 20.

Haitian nationals who have a criminal history may be ineligiblefor temporary protected status. Haitian nationals with a criminalhistory should seek legal advice before proceeding with anapplication.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued awarning of immigration scams targeting Haitian applicants fortemporary protected status. To avoid becoming a victim of animmigration scam:

-- Do not sign any blank papers or documents that you do notunderstand.

-- Do not sign any documents that contain false or inaccurateinformation.

-- Do not let anyone keep your original documents

-- Do not pay more than a nominal fee to someone who is not anattorney, or make payments on the Internet.

-- Do make photocopies of all documents prepared or submittedfor you.

-- Do get a receipt any time you pay someone to assist you incompleting or submitting forms.

-- Do verify that your attorney is licensed, or yourrepresentative is accredited, by the Board of Immigration Appeals.