Via the Commission on Human Relations   

The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations in conjunction with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), City Colleges of Chicago, and Haitian community organizations announced planning for two workshops to help Chicago area Haitians apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS status allows undocumented individuals in the U.S. to lawfully remain in the country on a temporary basis and apply for employment.

"We are pleased that the Federal Government has provided an opportunity for Haitians to apply for TPS and that the USCIS has stepped forward to help plan these workshops," stated Commissioner Dana V. Starks of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. "Obtaining TPS status is the first step in getting many local Haitians employed and provides them with a means to help their families back in Haiti," he added.

The earthquake and aftershocks which have left areas of Haiti devastated, particularly the capital city of Port Au Prince, have also left hundreds of thousands homeless and in need of food, shelter and medical attention. The City of Chicago, under the direction of Mayor Richard M. Daley, has continued to assist the local Haitian community and the people of Haiti through a number of initiatives including appealing for donations to the American Red Cross, sending ambulances to Haiti, organizing blood drives, and other actions.

"The Mayor has made it a priority for all City departments to help support the Haitian community at this most difficult time. We think these workshops will be invaluable for many individuals and their families, both here and in Haiti," Starks concluded.

The workshops will be held:

Saturday, February 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Novar Hall, Room 3426

And

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Olive-Harvey College
10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Main Auditorium

Volunteer lawyers will be on hand to provide private assistance to applicants. Further information about the workshops, including what materials applicants should bring with them to apply for TPS, and information about fees and fee waivers, can be found at www.uscis.gov/haitinearthquake,www.uscis.gov/forms or by calling 1-800-870-3676. Information can also be obtained by calling the Chicago Commission on Human Relations at 312-744-4111.

Workshops co-sponsors include the Haitian Lawyers Association, Chicago Office of the Consulate General of Haiti, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on African Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, State Senator Kwame Raoul, and Haitian community organizations in the Chicagoland area.