USCIS offers immigration relief measures for people who have been affected by a natural disaster, such as the severe earthquakes that recently occurred in Ecuador, Japan and Burma.
To seek relief because of a natural disaster, you must still file any regularly required USCIS form(s) for your specific request, and then explain how the natural disaster created a need for the requested relief.
The following measures may be available upon request:
- Change or extension of nonimmigrant status if you are currently in the U.S., even if the request is filed after your authorized period of admission has expired;
- Re-parole, if you were previously granted parole by USCIS;
- Expedited processing of requests for advance parole documents;
- Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
- Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
- Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
- Assistance if you received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to appear for an interview, submit evidence or respond in a timely manner because of the natural disaster;
- Replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
If you have been affected by a natural disaster and have questions about your options for relief, please contact our office to set up a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
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