Due to the devastating earthquakes that devastated Ecuador, a series of immigration benefits have been put into effect for Ecuadorians currently in the United States. legally.
The U.S. government generally offers immigration relief to foreign nationals whose countries have been affected by a natural disaster.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced on its website temporary relief measures available to Ecuadorian citizens following the April 16 earthquake that caused hundreds of deaths and massive destruction in Ecuador.
At this time, Ecuadorian citizens who qualify have access to the following benefits:
Authorization of changes or extensions of status of your nonimmigrant visa, even if the stay permit initially granted has already expired.
Expedited processing of applications for Advance Parole and extensions of Advance Parole. It is important that a person with a criminal record or who has violated immigration laws in the past, including having entered and lived in the U.S. illegally, not leave the country without first consulting with an immigration attorney.
Expedited processing of immigrant petitions for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, provided an immigrant visa is available.
4. Assistance to permanent residents of the United States who are stranded in Ecuador without documents.
5. In some instances, expedited processing of employment authorization documents, including for persons on student visas.
6. Exemption from payment of dues due to inability to pay.
Any Ecuadorian seeking immigration relief because of the earthquake in Ecuador must file the forms required by USCIS to apply for the immigration benefit he or she is seeking. In addition, the applicant must explain how the earthquake has created a need for relief.
Please consult with an immigration attorney before beginning any immigration proceedings.
