The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday posted a Federal Register notice that provides information about how to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced this 18-month designation of Haiti for TPS on May 22.
DHS said the registration process will open next week when the Federal Register notice is published.
“All individuals who want to request TPS under this designation for Haiti must file an application,” said the DHS in a statement.
It said this includes about 5,000 current TPS Haiti beneficiaries, whose documentation is automatically extended at least through October 4, 2021, in compliance with court orders.
“These individuals must file a new application for TPS under this designation to ensure they retain their status,” DHS said.
It said this designation of Haiti for TPS also enables an estimated 100,000 additional individuals to file initial applications for TPS, if otherwise eligible.
To be eligible for TPS under this designation, DHS said individuals must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in the United States since July 29, 2021.
Individuals who attempt to travel to the US, after July 29, 2021, “will not be eligible for TPS and may be subject to expulsion or removal.
DHS said individuals applying for Haiti TPS must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the 18-month initial registration period that runs from August 3, 2021, through February 3, 2023. Haiti TPS applicants are eligible to file Form I-821 online, DHS said.
When filing a TPS application, it said applicants can also request an Employment Authorization Document by submitting a completed Form I-765,
Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online, DHS said.
In the meantime, the Biden administration has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Haitian people following the heinous assassination of President Moïse.
US Department of State spokesman Ned Price said US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reiterated the pledge in a telephone call with new Haitian Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.
“The secretary also underscored the need for Prime Minister Henry’s unity government to seek broad political and civil society consensus on government priorities,” Price said.
“Secretary Blinken, echoing the international community, emphasized the importance of establishing the conditions necessary for Haitians to vote in free and fair legislative and presidential elections as soon as feasible,” he added.
Moïse was assassinated on July 7, in a daring raid on his private residence in the suburbs of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haitian authorities have arrested 20 people, including two Haitian Americans residing in Miami, in connection with the assassination.
CMC
