The Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") today extended Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") for Haitians living in the United States for an additional 18 months. Shortly, DHS will issue eligibility requirements and instructions for how to register (those who entered the US within one year after the earthquake) and re-register (those who have alaredy been granted TPS status).
This means that those Haitian citizens, in the United States, who have been granted TPS as victims of last year's earthquake are able to remain in the United States for another year and one half. DHS's order also extends eligibility for Haitians who may not have met with criteria for TPS previously. Initially, only those Haitians who were in the United States at the time of the earthquake were able to apply for TPS relief. Now, under the new order, eligible Haitians who came to the United States within one year after the earthquake may be eligible to obtain TPS status. This measure provides much-need relief to many Haitians who were devastated by the effects of the earthquake and fled to the United States to seek safety.
