Protection for Haitians

Immigration program helps clients receive special designation

 

 

Bradenton—Due to the devastating circumstances surrounding the recent earthquake that hit Haiti, the United States Department of Homeland Security established a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Immigration Caseworkers have been working hard to assist Southwest Florida Haitians with the process.

 

This designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals already in the United States to continue living here and working for the next 18 months. It will provide a temporary refuge to Haitians whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti. Those who receive TPS will be administered a Work Authorization Card.  Haitians who travel to the United States after January 12 are not eligible for TPS.

 

“We are assisting Haitians in completing the TPS application,” said Yraida Alonso, Director of Immigration Services for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. She said immigration caseworkers also provide clients with fact sheets in Creole, French and English about the TPS application.

 

Catholic Charities is seeking bilingual English/Creole/French speaking volunteers to assist immigration caseworkers. Volunteers must have the ability to read and write in both languages. Volunteers will help clients fill out immigration applications, gather intake information, give out general information, and make appointments. Hours are flexible and training is provided. For more information, please call Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice at 941-488-5581.

 

Photo: Haitian nationals crowd the Catholic Charities of Manatee County office to fill out the Temporary Protected Status application.