City of Miami Gardens Officials Host Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Application Drive in support of the South Florida Haitian Community

MIAMI GARDENS – Mayor Shirley Gibson and the City Council of Miami Gardens are joining the Haitian American Lawyers Association in presenting a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application drive on Saturday March 6, 2010 from 10:00 AM – 4:00PM -Miami Gardens City Hall, located at 1515 NW 167th Street, Building 5, Miami Gardens.

Because of the recent earthquake and devastation in the country of Haiti, Mayor Gibson, and the City Council are inviting Haitian National residents of the City and Miami-Dade County that are seeking TPS to come out and speak with members from the Haitian Lawyers Association and other volunteers about the necessary requirements and documents needed to apply for TPS in the U.S. Application fees may vary depending on age and work permit status, the TPS application process is $50, biometric fee $80 and work authorization fee is $340.

Mayor Shirley Gibson
The following required documents must be presented to receive on-site assistance:

• Birth Certificate, Passport, or Baptismal Certificate
• Two Color Passport Style Photos
• Social Security card (if any)
• Driver License (if any)
• I-94 (if any)
• Work permit (if any, even if expired

In addition to the above documents, applicants are must bring proof of continuous Physical Presence (living) in the U.S. since January 12, 2010, examples include but not limited to; Lease or rental agreement, Bank statements, Telephone, Cable or Electrical bills, Check stubs or a notarized affidavit from employer, or Affidavit from attending Church stating the dates of membership. School and medical records can be used to establish Physical Presence for children.

To be granted TPS applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a national of Haiti
2. Arrived in the United States on or before January 12, 2010
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since arrival
4. Have not been convicted of any felony or received two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.