Florida’s Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) has issued a warning to Haitians interested in applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Those interested in applying for TPS most be careful not to over pay. 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 applicants apply at no additional cost.

Applicants must be careful of scammers who could take their money and also place them at risk of deportation, since the required application would nit have been made.

TPS clinics are being set up in South Florida where applicants can get good advice and free legal help.

WHAT IS HAITIAN TPS?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a special temporary immigration status for undocumented Haitians in the U.S. that became effective January 12, 2010. There is a six month registration period and applicants must apply before July 19, 2010. Once granted those approved can work and live legally in the U.S. during the 18-month TPS period.

NOT EVERYONE IS ELIGIBLE FOR TPS

Applicants should themselves and seek proper legal advice before applying. Those who have any criminal convictions, regardless how minor, or if they have ever been arrested, should seek effective legal advice before they apply. Such people could be ineligible for TPS and applying for TPS could put them at risk of deportation. These are the people who really need to go to a TPS clinic for advice and free legal help.

WHO CAN HELP APPLICANTS APPLY FOR HAITIAN TPS?

Call 305-573-1106, then enter 1250 to find out about upcoming TPS clinics and where to get FREE legal help in 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 DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

All those intending to apply for TPS should prepare relevant documents needed to prove they are Haitians and in the U.S. before January 12. Individuals applying for TPS will need:

Filing Fee of $470 for each person 14-65; $50 for children under 14; and $130 for adults over 66. Those who cannot afford the filing fee may be eligible for a fee waiver.

Proof that they are citizens of Haiti (birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate)

Proof that they have been living in the U.S. on or before January 12, 2010 and that they continue to live in the U.S. (rental receipts, utility bills, employment records or letter from their employers, medical records, school records, money order receipts, etc.)