TPS Re-Registration for Haiti Begins

When Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake in 2010, the United States granted Haitian nationals with Temporary Protected Status that allows them to live and work in the country. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in combination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services were initially planning on ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti on January 22, 2018. However, on November 20, 2017, after meetings with several different government agencies, it was determined that Haiti is in a much better place than it was 8 years ago and can support its nationals once again. In an effort to make the transition orderly, Temporary Protected Status has actually been extended by 18 months and will now be terminated on July 22, 2019.

The re-registration period for individuals who have Temporary Protected Status will take place from January 18, 2018, to March 19, 2018. That being said, it is important to note that the USCIS has approved an automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents through July 21, 2018. Therefore, it is important that anyone who wishes to continue working until the official termination of TPS in July 2019 re-extends their work authorization at that point. You must prove that you are authorized to continue working by bringing your Employment Authorization Documents with a January 22, 2018, or July 22, 2017, expiration date as well as a copy of the Federal Register notice that announces the automatic extension.

If you have questions about TPS, contact our firm today.