Six days remain until the close of the re-registration period for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for the 212,000 Salvadorans eligible for the benefit. The re-registration period that began on January 9 comes to an end on Monday, March 12.
In my column this week in La Opiniónanswered several questions from Salvadorans about TPS:
I am registered for TPS but I do not have the money to re-register for the program and apply for a work permit. I am unemployed and had very little income last year, is there any way to re-register without paying for the process? -Jose B.
You may be eligible for a fee waiver from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must fill out Form I-912, Petition for Fee Waiver, and submit documents that support your situation. Some of these are: unemployment benefit checks, tax returns showing that you earn less than the poverty level, mortgage or rent payment receipts, receipts for food, medical and other essential expenses, and the applicant's bank statements.
If your waiver is denied, the USCIS will return your application and give you the opportunity to restart the process by paying the appropriate fee. Waivers are not automatic and are at the sole discretion of the USCIS.
I first arrived in the U.S. undocumented in 2005. I have not left the country since I entered. Can I register for TPS? -Carlos T.
You are not eligible for TPS. One of the requirements of the program requires you to have lived in the U.S. continuously since February 13, 2001 and you do not meet this requirement.
Will the U.S. government give permanent residency to Salvadorans under TPS? -Zulma G.
This is highly unlikely to happen. It would require the vote of the vast majority of senators in the U.S. Senate. Given the current political climate, there are not the votes needed in the Senate to pass the bill.
It is imperative that any Salvadoran who is in TPS consult with an immigration attorney to explore his or her chances of obtaining permanent residency outside of TPS.
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