The Department of Homeland Security has just announced that Haiti has been designated for temporary protected status (TPS) for 18 months. TPS is granted to nationals from certain countries that are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster or some other extraordinary, temporary condition.

Haitian nationals who have been physically present in the United States since January 12, 2010 and who remain to reside in the U.S from the notice’s effective date may now apply for TPS within the 180-day registration period of TPS. These nationals may also apply for employment authorization and for permission to leave and return to the U.S.