Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Haitian Immigrants in U.S. Can Act Now to Secure Temporary Protected Status and Remain in U.S. Legally

New Jersey immigration law firm provides advice to Haitians on how to take advantage of special designation by Department of Homeland Security

Haddon Heights, N.J. (Lexis Nexis/PRWEB ) January 28, 2010 -- Last week's announcement from the Department of Homeland Security to provide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti creates an opportunity for Haitian immigrants in the U.S. to stay here legally until conditions improve in Haiti, according to attorneys from the New Jersey immigration law firm of Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman (HPCK).

On January 15, the Department of Homeland Security announced that an 18-month designation of TPS for Haiti is warranted because of the devastating earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010. As a result, Haitians in the U.S. -- and other individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti -- are unable to return safely to their country.

According to Scott C. Elwell, an associate in the Haddon Heights office of HPCK, individuals from Haiti who have been in the United States on or before January 12, 2010, are eligible to apply for TPS status. TPS beneficiaries are allowed to remain in the United States and can legally work for a set time period (in this case 18 months).

"There are a few things that Haitians currently in the U.S. should do right now in order to take advantage of this window of opportunity to obtain employment authorization," said Elwell. "First, they should gather any available evidence that proves they were here prior to January 12th, such as any bills in their name or apartment lease papers. Second, they should obtain their birth certificates or passports that document their Haitian citizenship. Then they need to pursue the appropriate legal channels for employment authorization in the U.S., including an employment card and a social security number."

HPCZ is already assisting Haitians living in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York in applying for TPS. The firm ensures that their clients' applications for TPS and employment authorization are prepared correctly and timely filed, which expedites the effort to secure this crucial benefit.

Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. is an energetic medium-sized New Jersey law firm. By limiting its practice to specific areas of expertise, the firm delivers exceptional professional services to its clients and is widely respected in the legal community. In addition to its well-known work in immigration law, the firm employs a number of experienced divorce attorneys, as well as a robust workers' compensation practice.

For more information, please visit www.helmerlegal.com or call 877.HELMER1.

See the original story at: http://lexisnexis.prweb.com/releases/2010/01/prweb3523594.htm

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[Via Legal / Law]

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