An Overview of Temporary Protected Status or TPS Haiti

Understanding the Basics about TPS Haiti

Haiti is currently one of several nations whose citizens are offered protection from deportation in the United States. Getting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for noncitizens who have immigrated to the U.S. from Haiti is not necessarily easy. Still, it can be done if you meet certain criteria and fill out the proper paperwork on time. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer who is aware of all relevant regulations and any changes in the law will also make the process easier. 

TPS was created by Congress in 1990 as a section of the Immigration Act, and it is arguably one of the United States’ most essential immigration programs. Its goal is to provide temporary refuge for people facing exceedingly difficult conditions in their home countries. 

When Is This Status Granted?

TPS permits the United States Secretary of Homeland Security to grant immigrants with temporary lawful immigration status, including the ability to work in the U.S. 

Situations in which this status may be granted include: 

• Ongoing armed conflict

• Environmental disaster
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions, potentially including social unrest, epidemics, human rights abuses, crippling poverty, or other situations as determined by the U.S. government

The goal of this status is not to make all Haitians living in the U.S. full citizens of the United States, but to temporarily assist them in staying safe, healthy, and financially sound while conditions in Haiti are unstable or extremely challenging. It also aids in achieving the U.S.’s abuse protection and humanitarian goals.

The three major things you gain if your TPS status is granted are:

• You can at least temporarily stop all removal and deportation proceedings against you.
• You receive a valid immigration status that lasts for a specified period of time.
• You can work legally in the United States, as you are eligible to acquire a work permit.

Immigration News TPS Haiti

Very few countries are eligible for TPS status, but Haiti happens to be one of them. At the time of this writing, Burma (Myanmar), El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen are eligible for Temporary Protected Status. 

The most recent news on TPS for Haiti was the announcement given on the 22nd of May, 2021. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced a new TPS designation for Haitian nationals. The new TPS designation permits Haitians (and people who resided there as their last known country) who are currently residing in the USA to file initial applications for an 18-month period.

For this to be possible, the Haitian nationals have to meet the eligibility requirements.

Temporary Protected Status only applies to the Haitian nationals already residing in the States as of May 21, 2021 — not those who plan to come to the U.S. later on.

Although Haiti’s 18-month designation hasn’t been fully effected yet, it will be published on the Federal Register notice soon. This will also offer instructions on how to apply for TPS.

Haiti TPS Extension

Luckily for Haitians, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set the Haitian TPS designation for 18 months. This announcement was made early in 2021, and based on it, Haitians who have been physically present in the U.S. since the 21st of May are eligible for an extension.

This extension holds until the 22nd of November, 2022.

Haiti’s TPS designation had been altered many times over the years until at one point, the DHS announced its termination. But, court mandates ensured that TPS continued for approved Haitian nationals residing in the U.S.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas decided to extend Haiti’s TPS because of the challenging circumstances throughout the country, like lack of basic resources, crippling poverty, security concerns, social unrest, and others.

It is important to note that the registration period for Haiti’s TPS only lasts for 180 days, so time is of the essence when applying.

Important USCIS Forms: TPS Haiti

Paperwork and forms are a given when dealing with any legal matter, especially immigration matters. To file an initial TPS application or to register, you have to file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. Legal guidance may come in handy for this process.

In addition to Form I-821, other forms may be required to extend your status, to terminate removal proceedings, or to pursue permanent residency (if those situations apply to you). 

If you or your loved ones need professional legal assistance to handle your case and guide you through the TPS process, contact Manji Law today or book an online consultation. In addition to providing you with personalized, top-notch service, our team is experienced with what it takes to obtain TPS.