U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced the availability of discretion and immigration relief for persons impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Here’s the agency’s announcement:
USCIS offers immigration relief measures that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including natural disasters, such as Hurricane Matthew.
These measures may be available on a case by case basis upon request:
• Change of nonimmigrant status or extension of nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States, even if the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
• Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
• Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
• Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
• Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to appear for an interview, submit evidence or respond in a timely manner;
• Replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);
• Rescheduling of a biometrics appointment.
Note: When making a request, please explain how the impacts of Hurricane Matthew created a need for the requested relief.
To learn more about how USCIS provides assistance to customers affected by unforeseen circumstances in their home country or in the United States and how to request these measures, call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-767-1833). For more information, visit https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/special-situations.