Temporary Protected Status for Haiti Extended until Jan. 2018
Secretary of Homeland Security, John F. Kelly, has extended Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for eligible nationals of Haiti through January 22, 2018. Although Haiti has made significant progress in recovering from the January 2010 earthquake that prompted its designation, conditions in Haiti supporting its designation continue to be met at this time.
Current beneficiaries of Haiti’s TPS designation seeking to extend their TPS must re-regiter by July 24, 2017. TPS beneficiaries who re-register may request a new Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”). Those who re-register and request a new EAD during the 60-day re-registration period may receive an automatic extension of their expiring EAD for up to 180 days from the date their current EAD expires. Current EADs will not be automatically extended without a new EAD request. TPS beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to re-register and file their EAD applications as early as possible to avoid lapses in documentation of employment authorization.
During this six-month extension, beneficiaries are encouraged to prepare for their return to Haiti in the event Haiti’s designation is not extended again, including requesting updated travel documents from the government of Haiti. At least 60 days before January 22, 2018, Secretary Kelly will re-evaluate the designation for Haiti and will determine whether another extension, a redesignation, or a termination is warranted.
Source: USCIS.
