Immigration help available for individuals impacted by the wildfire in Colorado

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reminded the public of special services available to those affected by natural disasters such as the Marshall Fire in Colorado.

On a case-by-case basis, individuals impacted by natural disasters and certain other unforeseen circumstances may request:

• To change nonimmigrant status or extend nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the U.S.
• Re-parole for those who have previously received parole by USCIS.
• Expedited processing of advanced parole requests.
• Expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing economic hardship and employment authorization applications.
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS.
• Consideration of fee waiver requests because the individual cannot pay.
• Flexibility for those unable to submit evidence or respond in a timely manner to a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny and for those unable to attend a scheduled interview with USCIS.
• To reschedule a biometrics appointment.

Additional Information: Individuals who are requesting a special service should explain how the fires in Colorado created the need for their request. Those who lost evidence should include an explanation and a copy of a police report, insurance claim or other report as supporting information.

Employers and individuals are reminded that all Form I-9 requirements remain in place and should review instructions on how to verify employment eligibility of employees whose documents are lost or damaged. Individuals are reminded to update their addresses with USCIS to avoid possible delays in processing. More information regarding the special measures is available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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