Updated February 12, 2010

Thousands of Haitians Apply, Pay for Legal Status

The Homeland Security Department says it has received 12,583 applications from illegal immigrants from Haiti hoping to remain briefly in the United States and work here legally.

Thousands of Haitians are applying for the chance to stay legally in the United States while their country struggles to recover from last month's earthquake.

The Homeland Security Department says it has received 12,583 applications from illegal immigrants from Haiti hoping to remain briefly in the United States and work here legally. The deadline for the applications is July 20. Application fees to stay and for work permits are $470.

Because it is unsafe to return the immigrants to Haiti, the agency is granting the immigrants temporary protected status. Successful applicants can remain and work for 18 months without fear of deportation.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02 ... al-status/