In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Haitians residing in the United States are granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, allowing them to legally work in the United States.

Since the terrible tragedy in Haiti, many have sought information about the Haitian community in the United States. According to the American Community Survey 2008 Census Bureau data indicates that out of the 546,000 foreign-born Haitians in the United States,135,836 reside in New York.  It is estimated that there are 75,000 to 125,000 undocumented Haitian immigrants in the country. When the Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status to Haitians, it estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people could be eligible. This estimate also includes those on temporary visas such as tourists, foreign students, and guest workers who will not have to go home.  

To support the Haitian community in New York, the New York Public Library’s Office of Community Outreach Services - Immigrant Services, in association with the Legal Aid Society will be offering free TPS assistance workshop clinics. Experienced immigration law attorneys will be available to provide information and assist in filling out the TPS application.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

St. George Library Center, Saturday, March 13, 2010  from 10 am - 11 am

Bloomingdale Library, Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Bronx Library Center, Friday, March 26, 2010 from 2 pm - 3 pm

Allerton Library, Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 11am - 12 pm

The following documents are necessary for the application process:

• Proof that you are Haitian (Birth Certificate)
• Proof that you were in United States on or before January 12, 2010
  (Passport or I-94 Form, or pay-stubs, or W-2 form, or IRS Tax Transcript)