Haitians Can apply for Temporary Status

POSTED BYHaitians in U.S. can apply for protected status, January 15, 2010 -- Updated 2311 GMT (0711 HKT)




Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the status is part of U.S. efforts to support Haiti's recovery.STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Status available to those in United States when earthquake struck Tuesday

Designation allows Haitians to live, work in United States for the next 18 months

Aim is to provide temporary refuge for Haitian nationals while their country recovers

100,000 to 200,000 Haitian nationals are estimated to be in the United States illegally



RELATED TOPICS

Haiti

Earthquakes

Immigration

Washington (CNN) -- A temporary protected status for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of Tuesday has been designated by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, she announced Friday.



"This is a disaster of historic proportions and this designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals in the United States to continue living and working in our country for the next 18 months," she said.



"Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who are currently in the United States and whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this administration's continuing efforts to support Haiti's recovery."



Napolitano estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Haitian nationals are in the United States illegally. She told reporters the temporary status allows them to stay for 18 months, authorizing them to work and send remittances back to Haiti as the nation "gets back on its feet."



However, she said, Haitians who now attempt to travel to the United States will not be eligible for the temporary status and will be repatriated to Haiti. She added that there have been no signs so far of an increase of Haitian nationals trying to enter the United States after Tuesday's earthquake.



CNN's Pam Benson contributed to this report.

CHARITY/PRO BONO WORK AND YOUR FIRM

In Light of recent events (haiti disaster), in which I have had family members directly affected, I decided to write this post.

Reasons to do Charity work :
1. You are helping people in need
2. You get a sense of Self Fulfillment
3. You are showing lay people that Lawyers have hearts to :)
4. And if none of those things matter it is a great way to network and market your business.

In my case, I feel privileged to help others anytime I can. Last year, I worked on 4 to 5 probono cases and events. These events including assisting people with wills, immigration applications, talking to churches and members of the community about the law and their rights.

This year, I am working on an event for Haiti and raising money. It is my goal that as my firm grows, I can get the firm's associates involved in various activities in the community.  A business that does Charity work is business that will continue to receive support for their community.

Do your part now. Find out what you can do, then do some research. Make sure you choose a reputable charity (church, non-profit, government agency, ect). Contact someone from that charity and see what you can do to assist. Even if it is an hour of your time and you are only disseminating information. A little goes a long way. Good Luck!