[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 225 (Friday, November 21, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69502-69506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27772]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[CIS No. 2551-14; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2014-0011]
RIN 1615-ZB33
Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status
AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of
Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Through this Notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) has
designated Liberia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of
18 months, effective November 21, 2014 through May 21, 2016. Under
section 244(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8
U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C), the Secretary is authorized to designate a
foreign state (or any part thereof) for TPS upon finding that the
foreign state is experiencing extraordinary and temporary conditions
that prevent its nationals from returning in safety and that permitting
such aliens to remain temporarily in the United States is not contrary
to the national interest.
This designation allows eligible Liberian nationals (and aliens
having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who have
continuously resided in the United States since November 20, 2014 and
been continuously physically present in the United States since
November 21, 2014 to be granted TPS. This Notice also describes the
other eligibility criteria applicants must meet.
Individuals who believe they may qualify for TPS under this
designation may apply within the 180-day registration period that
begins on November 21, 2014 and ends on May 20, 2015. They may also
apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel
authorization. Through this Notice, DHS also sets forth the procedures
for nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality who last
habitually resided in Liberia) to apply for TPS, EADs, and travel
authorization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Given the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-related basis for the
designations of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for TPS and ongoing
efforts to prevent the spread of EVD, requests for advance travel
authorization (``advance parole'') for travel to one or more of these
three countries will not be approved, as a matter of discretion, absent
extraordinary circumstances. If you depart from the United States
without obtaining advance parole or you do not comply with any
conditions that may be placed on your advance parole document, you may
not be permitted to re-enter the United States. TPS beneficiaries who
are granted advance parole to travel to Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone
are advised that they, like other aliens granted advance parole, are
not guaranteed parole into the United States. A separate decision
regarding your ability to enter will be made when you arrive at a port-
of-entry upon your return. Individuals considering travel outside the
United States should visit the Department of State's Web site for the
most up-to-date information in Travel Alerts and Warnings and in the
Ebola Fact Sheet for Travelers.
DATES: This designation of Liberia for TPS is effective on November 21,
2014 and will remain in effect through May 21, 2016. The 180-day
registration period for eligible individuals to submit TPS applications
begins November 21, 2014, and will remain in effect through May 20,
2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For further information on TPS, including guidance on the
application process and additional information on eligibility, please
visit the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps.
You can find specific information about this designation of Liberia
for TPS by selecting ``TPS Designated Country: Liberia'' from the menu
on the left of the TPS Web page.
You can also contact the TPS Operations Program Manager at
the Family and Status Branch, Service Center Operations Directorate,
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529-2060; or by
phone at (202) 272-1533 (this is not a toll-free number). Note: The
phone number provided here is solely for questions regarding this TPS
Notice. It is not for individual case status inquires.
Applicants seeking information about the status of their
individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS
Web site at http://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS National Customer
Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). Service is available
in English and Spanish.
Further information will also be available at local USCIS
offices upon publication of this Notice.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Abbreviations
BIA--Board of Immigration Appeals
DHS--Department of Homeland Security
DOS--Department of State
EAD--Employment Authorization Document
EVD--Ebola Virus Disease
FNC--Final Nonconfirmation
IJ--Immigration Judge
INA--Immigration and Nationality Act
OSC--U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Special Counsel for
Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices
SAVE--USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program
Secretary--Secretary of Homeland Security
TNC--Tentative Nonconfirmation
TPS--Temporary Protected Status
TTY--Text Telephone
USCIS--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
WHO--World Health Organization
[[Page 69503]]
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible
nationals of a country designated for TPS under the INA, or to eligible
persons without nationality who last habitually resided in the
designated country.
During the TPS designation period, TPS beneficiaries are
eligible to remain in the United States, may not be removed, and are
authorized to work and to obtain EADs, so long as they continue to meet
the requirements of TPS.
TPS beneficiaries may be granted travel authorization as a
matter of discretion. Given the EVD-related basis for the designations
of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for TPS and ongoing efforts to
prevent the spread of EVD, requests for advance travel authorization
(``advance parole'') for travel to one or more of these three countries
will not be approved, as a matter of discretion, absent extraordinary
circumstances. If you depart from the United States without obtaining
advance parole or you do not comply with any conditions that may be
placed on your advance parole document, you may not be permitted to re-
enter the United States. TPS beneficiaries who are granted advance
parole to travel to Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone are advised that
they, like other aliens granted advance parole, are not guaranteed
parole into the United States. A separate decision regarding your
ability to enter will be made when you arrive at a port-of-entry upon
your return. Individuals considering travel outside the United States
should visit the Department of State's Web site for the most up-to-date
information in Travel Alerts and Warnings and in the Ebola Fact Sheet
for Travelers.
The granting of TPS does not result in or lead to
permanent resident status.
When the Secretary terminates a country's TPS designation
through a separate Federal Register notice, beneficiaries return to the
same immigration status they maintained before TPS, if any (unless that
status has since expired or been terminated), or to any other lawfully
obtained immigration status they received while registered for TPS.
What authority does the Secretary have to designate Liberia for TPS?
Section 244(b)(1) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1), authorizes the
Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. Government
agencies, to designate a foreign state (or part thereof) for TPS if the
Secretary finds that certain country conditions exist.\1\ The Secretary
can designate a foreign state for TPS based on one of three
circumstances. One circumstance is if ``there exist extraordinary and
temporary conditions in the foreign state that prevent aliens who are
nationals of the state from returning to the state in safety, unless
the [Secretary] finds that permitting the aliens to remain temporarily
in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United
States.'' INA section 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C).
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\1\ As of March 1, 2003, in accordance with section 1517 of
title XV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296,
116 Stat. 2135, any reference to the Attorney General in a provision
of the INA describing functions transferred from the Department of
Justice to DHS ``shall be deemed to refer to the Secretary'' of
Homeland Security. See 6 U.S.C. 557 (codifying the Homeland Security
Act of 2002, tit. XV, section 1517).
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Following the designation of a foreign state for TPS, the Secretary
may then grant TPS to eligible nationals of that foreign state (or
aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in that
state). See INA section 244(a)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)(1)(A).
Applicants must demonstrate that they satisfy all eligibility criteria,
including that they have been ``continuously physically present'' in
the United States since the effective date of the designation, which is
either the date of the Federal Register Notice announcing the
designation or such later date as the Secretary may determine, and that
they have ``continuously resided'' in the United States since such date
as the Secretary may designate. See INA section 244(a)(1)(A),
(b)(2)(A), (c)(1)(A)(i-ii); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)(1)(A), (b)(2)(A),
(c)(1)(A)(i-ii).
Why is the Secretary designating Liberia for TPS through May 21, 2016?
The Secretary has determined, after consultation with the
Department of State (DOS) and other appropriate Government agencies,
that there exist extraordinary and temporary conditions in Liberia that
prevent Liberian nationals (and persons having no nationality who last
habitually resided in Liberia) from returning in safety. The Secretary
also has determined that permitting such aliens to remain temporarily
in the United States would not be contrary to the national interest of
the United States.
On November 7, 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported
that as of November 4, 2014 there had been 13,241 cases of EVD in
Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with 4,950 deaths, making the 2014
EVD epidemic the largest in history. The outbreak began in Guinea in
March 2014 and spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The course of the EVD epidemic currently cannot be predicted
accurately as cases of EVD continue to rise every day. As of November
4, 2014 there are numerous areas in each of the three countries where
transmission continues to occur at high rates. Large scale efforts to
control the epidemic in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are ongoing
to address these hotspots. As of November 4, 2014, the WHO reported a
total of 6,619 cases occurring in Liberia, resulting in 2,766 deaths.
Ebola is a highly infectious, severe, and acute viral illness with a
high fatality rate. Although experimental treatments and vaccines are
under development, there are currently no approved vaccines or approved
antivirals for treatment of the disease. It is unlikely that a medical
vaccine or cure could be produced on a large scale in the near future.
The WHO noted that the outbreak in Liberia is ``by far the most
worrisome.'' As of November 2014, all of Liberia's 15 districts have
reported confirmed cases. On October 1, 2014, the WHO reported that the
situation in Liberia, and in Monrovia in particular, continued to
deteriorate. Compelling evidence from responders and laboratory staff
in Liberia indicates that there is widespread under-reporting of new
cases. With a recent influx of additional response support during
October and November 2014 from the United States and other nations, at
least 2 districts appeared to have some leveling off or decrease in
cases. Despite this positive change, the situation remains dire as new
cases continue to pop up daily across the country.
On July 27, 2014, the President of Liberia ordered the closure of
schools, placed non-essential government workers on a mandatory 30-day
leave, and ordered the closure of all markets along Liberia's borders
with Sierra Leone and Guinea. In September 2014, the World Bank
predicted that by the end of 2015, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia
could potentially lose a total of $809 million in their economies due
to the West African Ebola outbreak. Many countries in the region have
closed borders and implemented travel bans to and from Guinea, Liberia,
and Sierra Leone.
The EVD epidemic has overwhelmed the already weak health care
systems in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and placed Guinea's system under
great strain. As of November 4, 2014, the WHO reports that, 545 health
care workers are known to have developed EVD (88 in Guinea, 318 in
Liberia, 11 in Nigeria, and 128 in Sierra Leone). Three hundred and
[[Page 69504]]
eleven health care workers have died as a result of EVD infection.
Fears of transmission, overcrowding, and inadequate medical and
protective supplies have resulted in patients refraining from seeking
care and doctors and nurses refusing to work. Individuals in these
countries are increasingly unable to get treatment for preventable or
treatable conditions, such as malaria, diarrheal diseases, and
pregnancy complications. Maternal and child health care is being
especially undermined. Attempted containment measures such as
cancellation of airline flights, international trade restrictions, and
disruption to agriculture threaten future food shortages and have added
to the suffering caused by the EVD epidemic.
Based upon this review and after consultation with appropriate
Government agencies, the Secretary finds that:
Liberian nationals (and persons without nationality who
last habitually resided in Liberia) cannot return to Liberia in safety
due to extraordinary and temporary conditions. See INA section
244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C);
It is not contrary to the national interest of the United
States to permit nationals of Liberia (and persons without nationality
who last habitually resided in Liberia) who meet the eligibility
requirements of TPS to remain in the United States temporarily. See INA
section 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C);
The designation of Liberia for TPS will be for an 18-month
period from November 21, 2014 through May 21, 2016. See INA section
244(b)(2), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(2);
Applicants for TPS under the designation of Liberia must
demonstrate that they have been continuously residing in the United
States since November 20, 2014. See INA section 244(c)(1)(A)(ii), 8
U.S.C. 1254a(c)(1)(A)(i);
Applicants for TPS under the designation of Liberia must
demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the
United States since November 21, 2014, the effective date of this
designation of Liberia for TPS. See INA section 244(b)(2)(A),
(c)(1)(A)(i); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(2)(A), (c)(1)(A)(i); and
An estimated 4,000 Liberian nationals (and persons without
nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) are (or are likely
to become) eligible for TPS under this designation.
Notice of the Designation of Liberia for TPS
By the authority vested in me as Secretary under INA section 244, 8
U.S.C. 1254a, after consultation with the appropriate U.S. Government
agencies, I designate Liberia for TPS under INA section 244(b)(1)(C), 8
U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C), for a period of 18 months from November 21, 2014
through May 21, 2016.
Jeh Charles Johnson,
Secretary.
Required Application Forms and Application Fees To Register for TPS
To register for TPS for Liberia, an applicant must submit each of
the following two applications:
1. Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) with the
form fee; and
2. Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).
For administrative purposes, an applicant must submit an
Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) even if no EAD is
requested.
If you want an EAD, you must pay the Application for
Employment Authorization (Form I-765) fee only if you are age 14
through 65.
No application fee for Employment Authorization (Form I-
765) is required for an EAD with an initial TPS application if you are
under the age of 14 or over the age of 65.
You must submit both completed application forms together. If you
are unable to pay the required fees, you may apply for a waiver for
these application fees and/or the biometrics services fee described
below by completing a Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912), or
submitting a personal letter requesting a fee waiver, and providing
satisfactory supporting documentation. For more information on the
application forms and fees for TPS, please visit the USCIS TPS Web page
at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. Fees for Application for Temporary
Protected Status (Form I-821), Application for Employment Authorization
(Form I-765), and biometric services are also described in 8 CFR
103.7(b).
Biometric Services Fee
Biometrics (such as fingerprints) are required for all applicants
14 years of age or older. Those applicants must submit a biometric
services fee. As previously stated, if you are unable to pay for the
biometric services fee, you may request a fee waiver by completing a
Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912) or by submitting a personal letter
requesting a fee waiver, and providing satisfactory supporting
documentation. For more information on the biometric services fee,
please visit the USCIS Web site at http://www.uscis.gov. If necessary,
you may be required to visit an Application Support Center to have your
biometrics captured.
Re-Filing a TPS Application After Receiving a Denial of a Fee Waiver
Request
If you request a fee waiver when filing your TPS and EAD
application forms and your request is denied, you may re-file your
application packet with the correct fees before the filing deadline of
May 20, 2015. If you attempt to submit your application with a fee
waiver request before the initial filing deadline, but you receive your
application back with the USCIS fee waiver denial, and there are fewer
than 45 days before the filing deadline (or the deadline has passed),
you may still re-file your application within the 45-day period after
the date on the USCIS fee waiver denial notice. You must include the
correct fees, or file a new fee waiver request. Your application will
not be rejected even if the deadline has passed, provided it is mailed
within those 45 days and all other required information for the
application is included. Please be aware that if you re-file your TPS
application packet with a new fee waiver request after the deadline
based on this guidance and that new fee waiver request is denied, you
cannot re-file again. Note: Alternatively, you may pay the TPS
application fee and biometrics fee (if age 14 or older) but wait to
request an EAD and pay the EAD application fee after USCIS grants your
TPS application.
Mailing Information
Mail your application for TPS to the proper address in Table 1.
Table 1--Mailing Addresses
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If you: Then mail your application to:
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Would like to send your application USCIS, P.O. Box 6943, Chicago, IL
by U.S. Postal Service. 60680-6943.
[[Page 69505]]
Would like to send your application Attn: Liberia TPS, 131 S. Dearborn,
by non-U.S. Postal Service courier. 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60603-5517.
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If you were granted TPS by an Immigration Judge (IJ) or the Board
of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and you wish to request an EAD, please
mail your application to the address in Table 1. Upon receiving a
Receipt Notice from USCIS, please send an email to
[email protected] with the receipt number stating that you
submitted a request for an EAD based on an IJ/BIA grant of TPS as USCIS
may not have received records of your grant of TPS by either an IJ or
the BIA. This will aid in the verification of your grant and processing
of your application. You can find detailed information on what further
information you need to email, and email addresses on the USCIS TPS Web
page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps.
E-Filing
You cannot electronically file your application packet when
applying for initial registration for TPS. Please mail your application
packet to the mailing address listed in Table 1.
Supporting Documents
What type of basic supporting documentation must I submit?
To meet the basic eligibility requirements for TPS, you must submit
evidence that you:
Are a national of Liberia or an alien having no
nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia. Such documents may
include a copy of your passport if available, other documentation
issued by the Government of Liberia showing your nationality (e.g.,
national identity card, official travel documentation issued by the
Liberian Government), and/or your birth certificate with English
translation accompanied by photo identification. USCIS will also
consider certain forms of secondary evidence supporting your Liberian
nationality. If the evidence presented is insufficient for USCIS to
make a determination as to your nationality, USCIS may request
additional evidence. If you cannot provide a passport, birth
certificate with photo identification, or a national identity document
with your photo or fingerprint, you must submit an affidavit showing
proof of your unsuccessful efforts to obtain such documents and
affirming that you are a national of Liberia. However, please be aware
that an interview with an immigration officer will be required if you
do not present any documentary proof of identity or nationality or if
USCIS otherwise requests a personal appearance. See 8 CFR 103.2(b)(9),
244.9(a)(1);
Have continuously resided in the United States since
November 20, 2014. See INA section 244(c)(1)(A)(ii), 8 U.S.C.
1254a(c)(1)(A)(ii); 8 CFR 244.9(a)(2); and
Have been continuously physically present in the United
States since November 21, 2014, the effective date of the designation
of Liberia. See INA section 244(b)(2)(A), (c)(1)(A)(i); 8 U.S.C.
1254a(b)(2)(A), (c)(1)(A)(i).
You must also present two color passport-style photographs of
yourself. The filing instructions on the Application for Temporary
Protected Status (Form I-821) list all the documents needed to
establish basic eligibility for TPS. You may also find information on
the acceptable documentation and other requirements for applying for
TPS on the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/tps under ``TPS Designated
Country: Liberia.''
Do I need to submit additional supporting documentation?
If one or more of the questions listed in Part 4, Question 2 of the
Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) applies to you,
then you must submit an explanation on a separate sheet(s) of paper
and/or additional documentation. Depending on the nature of the
question(s) you are addressing, additional documentation alone may
suffice, but usually a written explanation will also be needed.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
May I request an interim EAD at my local USCIS office?
No. USCIS will not issue interim EADs to TPS applicants at local
offices.
When hired, what documentation may I show to my employer as proof of
employment authorization and identity when completing Employment
Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)?
You can find a list of acceptable document choices on the ``List of
Acceptable Documents'' for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-
9). You can find additional detailed information on the USCIS I-9
Central Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/I-9Central. Employers are
required to verify the identity and employment authorization of all new
employees by using the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9).
Within 3 days of hire, an employee must present proof of identity and
employment authorization to his or her employer.
You may present any document from List A (reflecting both your
identity and employment authorization), or one document from List B
(reflecting identity) together with one document from List C
(reflecting employment authorization). You may present an acceptable
receipt for List A, List B, or List C documents as described in the
Form I-9 Instructions. An EAD is an acceptable document under ``List
A.'' Employers may not reject a document based on a future expiration
date.
Can my employer require that I produce any other documentation to prove
my status, such as proof of my Liberian citizenship?
No. When completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form
I-9), including re-verifying employment authorization, employers must
accept any documentation that appears on the ``Lists of Acceptable
Documents'' for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) that
reasonably appears to be genuine and that relates to you, or an
acceptable List A, List B, or List C receipt. Employers may not request
documentation that does not appear on the ``Lists of Acceptable
Documents.'' Therefore, employers may not request proof of Liberian
citizenship when completing the Employment Eligibility Verification
(Form I-9) for new hires or reverifying the employment authorization of
current employees. If presented with EADs that are unexpired on their
face, employers should accept such EADs as valid ``List A'' documents
so long as the EADs reasonably appear to be genuine and to relate to
the employee. Refer to the ``Note to All Employees'' section for
important information about your rights if your employer rejects lawful
documentation, requires additional documentation, or otherwise
discriminates against you because of
[[Page 69506]]
your citizenship or immigration status, or national origin.
Note to All Employers
Employers are reminded that the laws requiring proper employment
eligibility verification and prohibiting unfair immigration-related
employment practices remain in full force. This Notice does not
supersede or in any way limit applicable employment verification rules
and policy guidance, including those rules setting forth reverification
requirements. For general questions about the employment eligibility
verification process, employers may call USCIS at 888-464-4218 (TTY
877-875-6028) or email USCIS at [email protected]. Calls and emails
are accepted in English and many other languages. For questions about
avoiding discrimination during the employment eligibility verification
process, employers may also call the U.S. Department of Justice, Office
of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices
(OSC) Employer Hotline at 800-255-8155 (TTY 800-237-2515), which offers
language interpretation in numerous languages, or email OSC at
[email protected].
Note to Employees
For general questions about the employment eligibility verification
process, employees may call USCIS at 888-897-7781 (TTY 877-875-6028) or
email at [email protected]. Calls are accepted in English and many
other languages. Employees or applicants may also call the U.S.
Department of Justice, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-
Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) Worker Information Hotline at
800-255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515) for information regarding employment
discrimination based upon citizenship status, immigration status, or
national origin, or for information regarding discrimination related to
Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify. The OSC
Worker Information Hotline provides language interpretation in numerous
languages.
To comply with the law, employers must accept any document or
combination of documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents if the
documentation reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to the
employee, or an acceptable List A, List B, or List C receipt described
in the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) Instructions.
Employers may not require extra or additional documentation beyond what
is required for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
completion. Further, employers participating in E-Verify who receive an
E-Verify case result of ``Tentative Nonconfirmation'' (TNC) must
promptly inform employees of the TNC and give such employees an
opportunity to contest the TNC. A TNC case result means that the
information entered into E-Verify from Employment Eligibility
Verification (Form I-9) differs from federal or state government
records.
Employers may not terminate, suspend, delay training, withhold pay,
lower pay or take any adverse action against an employee based on the
employee's decision to contest a TNC or because the case is still
pending with E-Verify. A Final Nonconfirmation (FNC) case result is
received when E-Verify cannot verify an employee's employment
eligibility. An employer may terminate employment based on a case
result of FNC. Work-authorized employees who receive an FNC may call
USCIS for assistance at 888-897-7781 (TTY 877-875-6028). An employee
who believes he or she was discriminated against by an employer in the
E-Verify process based on citizenship or immigration status, or based
on national origin, may contact OSC's Worker Information Hotline at
800-255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515). Additional information about proper
nondiscriminatory Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-
Verify procedures is available on the OSC Web site at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/osc/ and the USCIS Web site at http://www.dhs.gov/E-verify.
Note Regarding Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies (Such as
Departments of Motor Vehicles)
While Federal Government agencies must follow the guidelines laid
out by the Federal Government, State and local government agencies
establish their own rules and guidelines when granting certain
benefits. Each State may have different laws, requirements, and
determinations about what documents you need to provide to prove
eligibility for certain benefits. Whether you are applying for a
Federal, State, or local government benefit, you may need to provide
the government agency with documents that show you are a TPS
beneficiary and/or show you are authorized to work based on TPS.
Examples are:
(1) Your EAD that has a valid expiration date;
(2) A copy of your Form I-821 Approval Notice (Form I-797), if you
receive one from USCIS.
Check with the government agency regarding which document(s) the
agency will accept. You may also provide the agency with a copy of this
Federal Register Notice.
Some benefit-granting agencies use the USCIS Systematic Alien
Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE) to verify the current
immigration status of applicants for public benefits. If such an agency
has denied your application based solely or in part on a SAVE response,
the agency must offer you the opportunity to appeal the decision in
accordance with the agency's procedures. If the agency has received and
acted upon or will act upon a SAVE verification and you do not believe
the response is correct, you may make an InfoPass appointment for an
in-person interview at a local USCIS office. Detailed information on
how to make corrections, make an appointment, or submit a written
request to correct records under the Freedom of Information Act can be
found at the SAVE Web site at http://www.uscis.gov/save, then by
choosing ``How to Correct Your Records'' from the menu on the right.
[FR Doc. 2014-27772 Filed 11-20-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-97-P