Answers to Your Comments About Haiti
As we've continued to post updates on the situation in Haiti, our readers have continued to post comments with questions on immigration benefits for Haitians. We received comments focused on five areas in particular, and wanted to post answers for each:
1. I am a Haitian in the U.S. on a temporary work/visit/study (etc.) visa and I don't believe I qualify for TPS. Is there anything I can do to extend my stay?
If you were in the United States on January 12, 2010, regardless of your immigration status on that date, you may be eligible to apply for TPS. More information on TPS eligibility for Haiti can be found on our Temporary Protected Status-Haiti page.
If you currently have a valid nonimmigrant status (student, temporary worker, visit, etc.) and would like to extend your stay, please review the information provided in the "Working in the U.S." or "Visit the U.S." sections of our website. You may also review the instructions on Form I-539, Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-129, Application for Temporary Worker (the form you would use to extend your nonimmigrant status depends on your current nonimmigrant status).
2. I am not a Haitian and am unhappy that prioritization of Haitian applications will take away resources from my application and slow down the process.
USCIS placed the adjudication of TPS applications in offices that had the experience and capacity to adjudicate these cases without negatively impacting the processing times of other applications and petitions. USCIS has not stopped adjudicating some applications in order to adjudicate applications for TPS. We are adjudicating all applications and petitions that we receive and strive to adjudicate all within our processing time goals.
3. I am a U.S. citizen or green card holder with family in Haiti who have been seriously impacted by the earthquake. Is there anything I can do to bring them to the United States - even temporarily?
If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, you may petition for certain relatives to come to the United States permanently. Information on petitioning for a relative may be found in the "Family" section of our website.
Relatives may come to the United States temporarily if they are eligible to receive a nonimmigrant visa. Information about visiting the United States temporarily can be found in the "Visit the U.S." section of out site.
4. Why are Haitians who were illegal immigrants in the U.S. reaping all the benefits of TPS as opposed to helping those actually hit hardest by the earthquake?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is designed to provide a temporary means to remain in the United States for those who cannot return to their country. TPS should not be viewed as a reward for possibly being in the United States without a valid immigration status, rather it should be viewed as an act of compassion during a time of need.
USCIS has taken steps to also assist those in Haiti who have been impacted by the earthquake. In addition to the work that our staff in Haiti has done and continues to do, USCIS has assisted many orphans in coming to the United States and has been expediting the processing of petitions filed on behalf of relatives in Haiti.
5. How do we finalize an adoption for a child already in the U.S. without a Haitian adoption decree?
We have received this question from several adoptive parents and we are currently working on a plan to address this issue. When a plan has been finalized, we will post this information on our website. Additional information about adoptions from Haiti can be found on our "Questions and Answers: Information for Adoptive Parents of Paroled Haitian Orphans" page.
posted by USCIS Blog Team @ 3:50 PM
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Thanks USCIS Blog Team-
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I believe the blog has recieved more questions about Employment based visa backlog.
I need to know why is it that USCIS makes it so hard for a Legal High Skilled Immigrant to immigrate especially when he is from India/China!!!
My career has been on hold because of your practices! No one told me that its going to take 6-10 years for EB2 and 15-20 years for EB3!!! Not acceptable!
We love this country as much as anyone else! And I also believe that we contribute taxes, are willing to play the legal game. But USCIS seems to just take no notice of the loooong wait times!
Please answer my question:
WHY CANT WE IMPLEMENT THIS COMMON SENSE SOLUTION PROPOSED BY CYRUS-ENDELMAN (Look at link)
http://cyrusmehta.com/news.aspx?SubIdx=ocyrus20103925436
What will be done for Haitians with approve I-130,but where not eligible to adjust their status in the USA? want to know if there is some type of waiver they can file in other to be able to adjust their status in the USA
Sounds like the government is doing what they can to help the Haitian people in this hard time finding ways to allow them to stay and work for longer periods of time.
PLEASE put up a web page stating which petitions are currently eligible for Premium Processing. Thanks.
Since the earthquake in Haiti, we have a lot of people with temporary visas who are coming in the United States and they are not eligible for the TPS because they came after January 12, why won't the government allow those who already had visas to apply for TPS? Afterall, they are all in the same problems if not even more. Please consider the Haitians with temporary visas who came after the earthquake.
Thank you for your consideration.
Marie Jean
I live in the deadliest city in the world "juarez, Mexico" and my wife (a US citizen)submitted an application I-129F and I-130 and wonder if there is anything that can be done to expedite the process for me to be able to cross to the US I have two kids, a soon to be 4 year old and a 2 year old and pretty soon they won't have Daycare is there anything my wife can do or request? please Advise.
Hire Americans and marry Americans ... Then you wont have the problem!
It seems that the US is doing all it can immigration-wise to help the Hatians. Is there a recorded number that we've allowed to come over through TPS?
My daughter and I are awaiting an appointment to go to Juarez, US Embassy, for an interview regarding her immigration. I am citizen and she is adopted by me. My daughter is under age 10 and I cannot imagine why she and I couldn't do the interview in another, safer embassy in a different city in Mexico. I see there are several other embassies. I see too, that Juarez is conveniently located, however, because of the danger, I would think that the State Department could consider options for those who could make it to another safer spot.
Juarez has been labeled on NPR the most dangerous or one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Cannot the State Department recognize the danger it puts its citizens, especially its women citizens?
I understand that the State Department has to follow it's procedures, and I have no problem complying with the law, but can't some of its administrative procedures be done in another city in Mexico?
I wonder too, does the State Department hold itself responsible should something happen to me? or my daughter? Shouldnt it since clearly there are statistics showing the danger and the State Department's own website advises against traveling there?
And lately even employees of the Department themselves are victims.
I know also, most people are targeted- but that doesnt mean a person's odds of being hurt aren't increased simply by being a US Citizen in that city or just by being "collateral damage".
Please I ask the State Department to reconsider where it does administrative work for its US Citizens working on immigration for their relatives.
I am pleased to see that the government is doing everything it can to help Haiti. Thank you.
I would like to know if something will be done for Haitian parents (non resident of the US) of children born in the US,who came in USA (with those kids)after Haiti's earthquake so that they can obtain authorization to work and take care of the kids.
Thank you.
Maguy
I wonder how much this website costs the US Citizens?
The USA allowed many parents, non green card holders, to come with their us citizen children and are not giving them any mean to take care of these kids. I would like to know if USCIS and the american governement are looking for a solution for these famillies that are the biggest victims of the tragidy in haiti. At least give them a temporary work permit to be able to take care of their children and themselves without having to try to realy on government and taxe payers ressource.
Thank you
I WONDER WHY US IMMIGRATION POSTED IN THEIR WEBSITE THAT WOULD EXPEDITED ALL APPLICATIONS FOR US CITIZEN FILED IN BEHALF OF THEIR RELATIVES IN CHILE AND THEY REFUSED TO DO THE SAME FOR HAITIANS, IS IT THE SAME OLD WAY THEY DISCRIMINATE HAITIANS AGAINST CUBAN. MY SISTER WAS KILLED IN HAITI AND MY BROTHERS ALREADY APPROVED FOR RESIDENCY AND THEY DON'T HAVE ANY PLACE TO STAY IN HAITI AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT IT COULD TAKE ANOTHER 5 MORE YEARS TO GET A VISA NUMBER. WHAT A SHAME, EXPLAIN ME WHY.
Its a hard time all over the world these days I want to know when the US will focus on the problems right here at home and not spend all this time and resources on others when we need to spend the time right here in the good old USA.
Thank you
This is a much needed measure because there is a great need here in S. Florida to give some sort of hope to the Haitian community. Hopefully we can smooth over this process and ensure that all the difficulties are worked out.
I CAME IN JANUARY BUT AFTER 12, I HAVE MORE PROBLEMS THAN OTHERS WHO WAS THERE BEFORE ME. I WANNA STAY THERE LEGALLY. WHAT CAN I DO?
What a helpful post really will be coming back to this time and time again.Thanks ..
The provision about TPS in the INA is nothing new. It's been done before and I think it is only humane to help the victims who are already here and would not be able to return to Haiti. The only concern I have on this topic is the high application fee. Due to the high application fee (not all applicants would qualify for the fee waiver), there have been reports that very few Haitians who are technically eligible for TPS are interested to apply. If the U.S. is willing to help the victims, why burden them with such a high application fee?
I'M A RESIDENT IN THE US MY HUSBAND LIVES IN HAITI I APPLYED FOR HIM ALREADY NOW HE DOESN'T HAVE NOWHERE TO SLEEP WHAT IS THERE ANYTHING TO DO THAT CAN LET HIM LIVE TEMPORELY IN THE US?
SARA
THANK YOU
A very informative post is good to see that the government is doing everything possible to help Haiti.
I is nice to know that the government is doing everything it can to help Haiti. Thank you.
If you visit the Dominican Republic, you will find out that the overall stigma of the Haitians is not good. But I'm glad that the government is doing what they can to help them in this time of need since many are unwilling to.
"At March 30, 2010 9:26:00 AM EDT , Blogger USCIS Blog Team said...
@ Commenters asking about H-4:
Current DHS regulations prevent H-4 visa holders from working in the United States. In response to your comments, however, USCIS is now reviewing the merits of allowing certain H-4 visa holders to work in the United States. However, any change would require the publication of a rule in the Federal Register amending current regulations."
What happened?
It is said that a US citizen and/or permanent resident can file I130 for family members to come live in the US permanently but the question is: would we have to wait 3 to 5 years for those applications to be processed? I am a US citizen but my husband is a permanent resident; my husband just filed for his 2 toddlers, just wondering how long will he has to wait to get the kids here? Thank you! It seems like all answers given keep avoiding this particular processing time question. Thank you!
Thank you for answering these essential questions. It was a very educational read for someone who has Haitian friends.
They approved my TPS application. I want to know if, after the TPS application, I've been married to a Haitian who were in USA before January 12 in a scholarship, but the scholarship will end on December 2010. Can she apply for the TPS?Do I have to notice USCIS that I'm married then they will give my wife papers to remain legally in the country?
Waiting for your answers. Thank you.
I was an exchange visitor 4 years ago, I'm currentely on TPS. Do I still have to apply for a J1 waiver to change my status to that of lawful permanent resident?
If the U.S. is willing to help the victims, why burden them with such a high application fee? Thanks.
I think the Hatian people are beautiful and genuine. They have the potential to enrich any culture that they are allowed to enter. I also think that an education in birth control would do wonders for the future of this and many other third world countries.
It's not just the application fee, it's the whole process - the burdensome forms, the endless mess of beuracracy. If we had less government employees, and more streamlined processes (especially this), we could give more assistance with less resources and less cost. It's great that we are doing something, but there is a lot of waste. Seriously - how many people are employed to just process forms? That's money that could be used to help.
I am glad that we are doing what we can to help the victims of the Haitian earthquake/disaster. Allowing temporary protected status to those already in the US would allow them to find a means to live peacefully instead of booting them back to an uncertain future in a devastated Haiti. We spend trillions of dollars world-wide to help people in their own countries, I don't mind if we allow a respite from that type of hardship by allowing foreign citizens to stay in our country a little while longer.
I would not even want to think about having to go through this type of catastrophe. There are so many people in pain that it seems nearly impossible to be able to lend help in a way that won't put our already strained government resources to the test.
Catastrophes always leads to Compassion and good, maybe some is needed here now.
I think it is great that the initial TPS Registration Period was extended through January 18, 2011.
Why hasn't there been any plans to reduce the initial TPS registration costs? As it stands right now it can costs as much as $470.
I know the government is doing a lot, but I can't see how this is very helpful. Are there plans for helping to reduce the application fees?
Its a hard time all over the world these days I want to know when the US will focus on the problems right here at home and not spend all this time and resources on others when we need to spend the time right here in the good old USA.
I'd like to know what other ways you can suggest that we can help these people.
i am so sorry about Haiti and i dont know what can i do for them :(
My church has been active in helping Haiti. It is amazing how much need there is in that country. I hope we can find a way to do more.
There is much need in the country and are always looking for ways to help increase awareness.
I was an exchange visitor 2 years ago
They have seen a very hard time and still suffering. Hope they may recover soon and hope that the whole world keep on helping them
It is always nice to see our government help any country that has problems, but even more so when that country has been devastated from a natural disaster.
Thank you for answering these essential questions. It was a very educational read for someone who has Haitian friends.
its great to the country is getting back on its own with our lil help.i got some friends from haiti,,fortunately all my friends were safe,,though,the conditions have been changed a lot after the disaster.
My cousin went to Haiti after the quake to help rebuild a school. She was so moved by the plight of their situation, she is back there now. It's great when we can all band together to give help to those who need it.
This is a much needed measure because there is a great need here in S. Florida to give some sort of hope to the Haitian community. Hopefully we can smooth over this process and ensure that all the difficulties are worked out.
Interesting article. I will never understand why our government supports illegal actions. What does this teach our children???
Clint
I'm not Haitian but my wife is from Haiti and she's still living there until now together with my two kids, can I file a petition to bring my family here in the US?
How come we are in a recession and still have the resources to help every country with their disasters?
I am not against this but we should take into consideration what will happen to us if we need help and the countries we assist can't provide aid.
With all this humanitarian disaster and cholera began recently, why during so many years we didn't help them to establish normal working democracy? Look across the only Haitian border to Dominican Republic - they are not reach, but they are not starving.. there's no disaster. Now we need to help people, but later we need to build them normal society.
Some people think too much about their selves in the future.
Well, let me tell you, at least you know you have your future waiting for you while these people can't even afford to live at the present.
Try putting yourself to Haiti and hear these doubtful statements. I don't think you can handle that!
I find it disgraceful that banks can be bailed out with millions of tax payers money for mistakes they have done. Instead money should be invested into countries like Haiti which are in dire need of basic infrastructure.
Actually I disagree somewhat with "camping tips" I agree that we should not bail everyone out that makes a mistake in the U.S. but I don't think helping out every country that has a crisis is good policy either. In the current economy public programs are being cut and we have increasing number of hungry and homeless. We need to mow our own backyard so to speak before we offer to mow our neighbor's. Just my opinion.
I totally agree with Revitol Dermasis. Just look at our own economic struggles. The US can't even help themselves and that needs to be the main focal point. Think about it, until we are able to provide for and support our own country to ensure that the economy strengthens, why should we pour tax payers money into foreign countries. I know there needs to be compassion, but when the 9/11 tragedy occured who helped us? No one! The earthquakes in California. Who helped us? No one. The fires in California. Who helped us? No one....shall I continue, the list goes on and on and on!! Once the US economy is able to productively and securely stand on it's own two feet. No one else should get a thin dime. Based on the way things are currently going here in the US it's going to be a long, long while.
That's just my opinion.
It has been a year since that devastating earth quake in Haiti. The sad thing is they have not truly even begun to repair the damages, and no one is really helping out anymore sad sad story.
The other sad story is the children that have been orphaned are not very visible to Americans who would like to adopt. The rules of engagement are not clear. The children who have been cared for are blessed. To bad more child care providers couldn't come to the rescue to do more. Maybe the issue is lack of visibility and red tape???
Chris
Too bad the recovery of Haiti is so slow. I'm sure the recovery of Japan will be much faster. As they always say, it is better to be rich.
Thanks for the link to 'Questions and Answers: Information for Adoptive Parents of Paroled Haitian Orphans', this will be of great help to my brother and sister in law as they're seriously considering adoption. I agree with the poster above that our resources aren't properly distributed when banks get bailouts and continue to give their executives millions in bonuses and disaster victims still don't have homes and basic necessities to survive.
the best thing for the haiti people after the devastation was not even money, it was the physical tools for them to start new business- for example cooking equipment to start food business- dont give a man fish give him a fishing rod and teach him to fish
I am pleased to see that the government is doing everything it can to help Haiti. I think the Hatian people are beautiful and genuine. They have the potential to enrich any culture that they are allowed to enter.
Thankyou for an informative post
We love this country as much as anyone else! And I also believe that we contribute taxes, are willing to play the legal game. But USCIS seems to just take no notice of the loooong wait times!
Amazing that when something like this happens it's front page news, but sad how quickly it's forgotten
The United States of America is multicultural, its this multiculture that has brought power and money to the country.
Glad to hear they are helping the people from Haiti
This article is really an eye opener to me. Thanks. Keep on posting!
Wow, I am just a regular American girl that got on a plan and wanted to see for myself what I could do for Haiti and reading some of this post has made me happy that I did. If I had not and only had to rely on what the media and what is said here, I would be confused. I was there when the lights get turned out for days and the meats and milk sour, I was there with the people living in tents still today, All the rubble that is still not clean up and met a little girl walking miles to sell at the street market to feed her little brother and sister and she only 10 years old. I have lived in the Housing Projects as a little girl but compared to Haiti, I lived like a Princess.
I don't have a lot of money nor do I live in a big house according to American standards, but I will continue to give and help as much as I can. Haitians with all their problems still love God and worship every day and for hours, way more than we do here. The government takes our money and bail out rich so they stay rich and personally I prefer my hard earned money going to a country that needs it the most. Ayati mwen konprann ou ak mwen tris ou bezwen gwo ed, all Americans don't feel like some of these comments and we want to help even this poor little American girl
I would like to know if a TPS beneficiary can apply for and get scholarship?
An interesting discussion is price comment. I believe that you need to write
extra on this subject, it may not be a taboo topic however generally persons
are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
It is always nice to see our government help any country that has problems, but even more so when that country has been devastated from a natural disaster.
against
I think that we should help countries that have experienced natural disasters, as long as we have good relations with that country.
I am sure if other governments demonstrate care in this manner, it will build trust and confidence in their citizenry
Something like $11 billion dollars of foreign assistance was donated to the Haitian Relief effort. How did they accomplish so little?
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