subject: Immigration Benefits Available To Guatemalans Reminded By USCIS [print this page] Immigration Benefits Available To Guatemalans Reminded By USCIS
Taking the Tropical Storm Agatha that hit Guatemala on May 29, 2010 into consideration, Guatemalans are reminded of immigration benefits that are available to them by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) Eligible Guatemalans can receive these immigration benefits only on request. Understanding the fact that an individual cannot maintain his lawful immigrant status during a natural disaster, USCIS has intended to help the eligible Guatemalans with temporary relief measures.
A Guatemalan's nonimmigrant status can be extended if he meets certain requirements of the nonimmigrant category. B-1 and B-2 visitors are not allowed to work in the United States even though their nonimmigrant status is extended.
Guatemalan nationals are required to submit proof substantiating that they did not return to Guatemalan before the expiration of their nonimmigrant status only due to the Tropical Storm Agatha. Until July 29, 2010, individuals who were in lawful nonimmigrant status as on May 29, 2010 can file for extension, at the end of which they will be processed on a case-by-case basis.
By submitting an expired or unexpired Form I-94 with an expiration date between May 29, 2010 and July 29, 2010, re-parole can be applied by Guatemalans who already secure a parole. With extension being granted, employment authorization can be requested by filing Form I-765. Additionally, a Guatemalan's advance parole status will automatically be extended if his advance parole authorization expires between May 29, 2010 and July 29, 2010.
On the basis of severe economic hardship, when a F-1 academic student's parents are not able to support his/her studies due to the natural disaster, he/she can apply for employment authorization.
Taking the need for immediate relief into account, USCIS will expedite the processing of certain applications and petitions of Guatemalan. When there is an emergent need to travel for a Guatemalan, Form I-131 processing will be accelerated.
