The United States Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the deadline for Haitian nationals to re-register for Temporary Protected Status. Haitian nationals who have already obtained Temporary Protected Status in the United States are required to re-register to maintain that protected status. The deadline is Jan. 29.
USCIS decided to extend the deadline for Haitians given the circumstances surrounding the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Many areas that were affected by the hurricane have a significant Haitian population. The USCIS website reads, “On Dec. 27, 2012, USCIS announced the extension of the re-registration period for Haitian nationals who have already been granted Temporary Protected Status and seek to maintain that status for an additional 18 months. Given the impact Hurricane Sandy has had on regions where Haitians reside, the re-registration period is extended through Jan. 29, 2013.”
The decision to extend TPS to Haitians came in September, when Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano extended TPS for Haiti for an additional 18 months.
The extension of TPS, and now the extension of the re-registration date, is good news for Haitian nationals and their families living in the United States. With more time in the United States, Haitians who re-register on time will receive a new Employment Authorization Document, giving them a chance to work. That document expires July 22, 2014.
“USCIS recognizes that all re-registrants may not receive their new EADs until after their current EADs expire. Therefore, USCIS is extending currently valid TPS Haiti EADs bearing a Jan. 22, 2013, expiration date for an additional six months, through July 22, 2013,” said USCIS.