Nov 19-20: Miami-Dade County offers support for Haitians and Venezuelans applying to TPS

Miami-Dade County’s Office of New Americans is partnering with community organizations to hold a legal clinic to aid Haitians and Venezuelans applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Those eligible can receive free assistance from qualified lawyers and volunteers on Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20 at two different locations and virtually.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently extended TPS to over 150,000 Haitians who were physically present in the United States by July 29, 2021. DHS also granted TPS for the first time to Venezuelans and it is estimated to benefit 50,000 residents in South Florida.

“Miami-Dade is home to one of the largest communities of Haitians and Venezuelans in the country and we are proud to support them in their process to apply for or renew protected status, so they can continue living and thriving without fear,” says Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our county’s history is proof that when immigrants are given an opportunity to belong and contribute, we all benefit.”

The Office of New Americans of Miami-Dade is hosting the clinics together with community partners including the American Bar Association Commission on Immigration, American Immigration Lawyers Association of South Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice, Catholic Legal Services, Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), Family Action Network Movement (FANM), Haitian Lawyers Association, HIAS, Hispanic Unity of Florida, FWD.us and Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.

“Temporary protected status offers stability, security and economic stability for our Haitian and Venezuelan communities in Miami-Dade County. This status allows you to live, work and go to school without fear and opens opportunities for our immigrant families,” said Krystina François, Director, Office of New Americans Miami-Dade County. “Through our county’s efforts with our non-profit partners, we are offering free, accessible, high quality legal services and community education to ensure that every resident who is eligible for TPS can apply before the deadline.”

Applicants can attend virtually or in person at the following locations and dates:

Joseph Caleb Center

5400 NW 22nd Ave, 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33142

Friday, November 19 / 10am – 2 pm

Sant La Neighborhood Center

13390 W Dixie Hway, North Miami, FL 33161

Friday, November 19 & Saturday, Nov 20

10am – 2 pm

Applicants should bring proof of their Haitian or Venezuelan citizenship, proof of physical presence, continued residence, and 2 passport pictures.

Learn more at miamidade.gov/tps or text "TPS" to 72572.