TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR NICARAGUANS AND HONDURANS EXTENDED FOR ONE YEAR

The INS has announced that it will extend the temporary protected status (TPS) of Nicaraguans and Hondurans in the US for one year.  TPS was initially granted in the wake of Hurricane Mitch, which devastated much of Central America when it struck in October 1998.  Although it has been almost one and a half years since the storm, much of the region is having difficulty recovering, and many recovery efforts are dependent on the money sent home by those working in the US.

Those who are currently registered for TPS must re-register by filing the TPS application with the appropriate INS regional service center.  No fee is required for re-registration, although a fee is required if employment authorization is requested. 

This is not a new registration period.  In other words, applicants must have already been registered for TPS.  Initial registration is allowed in a limited situation.  If the applicant was in the US on December 30, 1998 (required for registration under the initial grant of TPS) and can demonstrate that during the initial registration period they were

·        In valid nonimmigrant status,

·        Had been granted voluntary departure or other relief from removal,

·        Had a pending application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, or any form of relief from removal, or

·        Was the spouse or child of an alien eligible for TPS, then they may apply for TPS now.

The extended period of TPS will last until July 5, 2001. There are an estimated 100,000 Hondurans and 6,000 Nicaraguans registered for TPS.