Temporary Immigration Relief for Victims of Hurricane Sandy

• Whenever there were disasters, there were always some immigrants who had suffered from the disaster. One most typical illustration was the 9/11 World Trade Center Twin Tower terrist attack. It produced a fairly number of immigrants who survived and lost everything. The Hurrican Sandy was not as big as the 9/11 incident nor the natural disaster in Luisiana, which are more or less forgotten by now. However, the number of victims from Sandy are known fairly large because of the disaster which hit the most populated parts of the nation. The USCIS released a news at the time potential relief available for the immigrant victims of the disaster. This posting is to remind of such relief which are potentially available whenever a disaster takes place, including the following:
  • A change or extension of nonimmigrant status, even if the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has ended;
  • Extension or re-parole of people who were granted parole before;
  • Expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization applications for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
  • Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications; and
  • Assistance to Lawful Permanent Residents stranded overseas without immigration documents.
  • Where appropriate, the USCIS may exercise discretion for:
    *people who could not come to their interview; and
    *people who have not been able to respond to Requests For Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID). For all RFEs and NOIDs that have a deadline of October 26 through November 26, 2012, the USCIS is giving an extra 30 days. During this time, the USCIS will not issue denials based on a customer¡¦s not appearing for an interview or failing to submit requested paperwork.
• If you are or know someone who is such victim, you or someone should contact the USCIS to seek such relief.