Temporary Relief for Immigrants Impacted by California Wildfires

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a news alert advising stakeholders impacted by special circumstances (e.g., natural catastrophes and other extreme situations), including the California wildfires, that certain forms of immigration relief may be available on a discretionary basis.

Types of Relief for Which an Impacted Person May Apply

Some of the types of relief that may be requested include:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for one currently in the United States [If the foreign national does not apply for the extension or change before the authorized period of admission expires, the USCIS may excuse the delay if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the individual’s control.]
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by the 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
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by the USCIS
• Extension of response time or acceptance of a late response to a request for evidence or notice of intent to deny or revoke

Conclusion

The full list of relief measures that may be provided can be found in the news alert. The alert further includes instructions on how a request for such immigration relief may be made.

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