Migration-Related Relief for Disaster Victims
Catastrophic disasters like the wildfires in Maui can have a devastating impact on migrants, including the loss of homes, jobs, and legal documents. However, there are immigration relief options available to help those affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters.
Here are some ways that migrants can obtain immigration relief:
Changing nonimmigrant status or extending nonimmigrant stay. If an individual is currently in the United States and needs to extend their stay or change their status due to a natural disaster, they can request this relief from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Reparole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS. If an individual was previously granted parole by USCIS and is unable to return to their home country due to a natural disaster, they can request reparole.
Rescheduling a biometric services appointment. If an individual is unable to attend a biometric services appointment due to a natural disaster, they can request to reschedule the appointment.
Expedited processing of pending applications. USCIS has discretion to expedite the processing of pending applications for individuals affected by natural disasters.
Qualifying for disaster assistance. Regardless of citizenship and immigration status, individuals affected by a major disaster may be eligible for crisis counseling assistance and other forms of disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Storm Assistance for Immigrants (SAI). In California, the Department of Social Services offers direct assistance payments to help storm-impacted individuals and households cover necessary costs, including housing.
When requesting immigration relief, it is important to explain how the impact of the natural disaster created a need for the requested relief. If an individual lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, such as a natural disaster, they should include an explanation in their description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support their request. Consulting with Visada Legal can help you establish your eligibility for immigration-related relief.
