Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that, due to the devastating effects of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, it is granting an 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12. Individuals without nationality who last resided in Haiti also may apply for TPS. The announcement specified that “[t]hose who attempt to travel to the United States after January 12, 2010 will not be eligible for TPS and will be repatriated.”
TPS is a temporary immigration status that allows eligible individuals to remain and legally work in the United States for a set time period. Instructions and tips on completing an Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) are available in English, French (pdf) and Creole (pdf).