The Washington Post is reporting that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has received over 12,500 applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Haitians since the application period started in late January. Although this is a significant number, it is imperative to remember that an estimated 200,000 Haitians are eligible for TPS status.
TPS allows qualifying individuals to remain in the United States and maintain proper work authorization. To be eligible, a Haitian must of been in the United States on January 12, 2010.
In most cases, it is necessary for Haitians to apply for TPS status before July 20, 2010.