Florida’s Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) guide to Haitians applying for Temporary Protective Status (TPS)
MIAMI – Florida’s Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) has issued a warning to Haitians interested in applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
WARNING: Do not waste your money! The total government fees for applying for TPS are $470 per person ages 14 – 65, $50 per child under 14, and $130 for persons 66 and older. FIAC and other respected, legitimate organizations will help you apply at no additional cost.
Beware of raketè who will not only take your money but could also put you at risk of deportation.
TPS clinics are being set up where you get good advice and free legal help.
WHAT IS HAITIAN TPS?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a special temporary immigration status for Haitians in the U.S. as of January 12, 2010. There is a six month registration period and you must apply before July 19, 2010. Once granted you can work
and live legally in the U.S. during the 18-month TPS period.
NOT EVERYONE IS ELIGIBLE FOR TPS
Protect yourself and seek good legal advice before applying. If you have any criminal convictions – no matter how minor – or if you have ever been arrested, seek good legal advice before you apply. You could be ineligible for TPS and applying for TPS could put you at risk of deportation. Go to a TPS clinic for good advice and free legal help.
WHO CAN HELP ME APPLY FOR HAITIAN TPS?
Call 305-573-1106 and press 1250 to find out about upcoming TPS clinics where you can get FREE legal help applying. These FREE legal service clinics are run by the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC), Catholic Legal Services, and other respected non-profit organizations.
WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING NOW?
Right now you should be gathering the documents you need to show you are eligible for TPS. To apply for TPS you will need:
– Filing Fee of $470 for each person 14-65, $50 for children under 14, and $130 for adults over 66. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
– Proof that you are a citizen of Haiti (birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate)
– Proof that you have been living in the U.S. on or before January 12, 2010 and that you continue to live in the U.S. (rental receipts, utility
bills, employment records or letter from your employer, medical records, school records, money order receipts, etc.)
View video of Haitian TPS explained in Creole by a Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center lawyer.
www.sflcn.com/multimedia.php?id=Pjhjnn3j8bc
