USCIS Summarizes Temporary Immigration Relief Measures for Marianas
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently reminded people affected by Typhoon Soudelor, which caused extensive damage in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) on August 2, 2014, that certain U.S. immigration benefits or relief may be available to them. USCIS said it understands that a natural disaster can affect an individual’s ability to maintain lawful immigration status or obtain certain other immigration benefits.
Eligible individuals may request or apply for temporary relief measures, including:
- A change or extension of nonimmigrant status for an individual currently in the United States, even when the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
- Extension or re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
- Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications; and
- Assistance to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) stranded overseas without immigration or travel documents, such as permanent resident cards (green cards). USCIS and the Department of State will coordinate on these matters when LPRs are stranded in a place that does not have a local USCIS office.
USCIS noted that the agency “may also exercise its discretion to allow for filing delays resulting from the typhoon.” This may include, for example:
- Assistance to those who have not appeared for an interview or submitted required forms of evidence. USCIS noted, “You may show how the typhoon prevented you from appearing or submitting documents as required”; or
- Assistance to those who have not been able to respond to a request for evidence (RFE) or notice of intent to deny (NOID). USCIS said it will extend the deadline for individuals to respond to RFEs or NOIDs by 30 days. This applies to all RFEs and NOIDs with a deadline of August 2 through September 2, 2015. During this time, USCIS said it “will not issue denials based on abandonment of an application or petition in the CNMI.”
USCIS will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated guidance as needed.
