The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Jan. 12 issued a public reminder that immigration services are available to those affected by natural disasters.
Services and help include the expedition of processes and documents, as well as flexibility in the process, according to a release from USCIS.
"Visit our Special Situations page or call us for more information about how we provide assistance to individuals affected by unforeseen circumstances," the release states. "To learn how to request these measures, call us at 800-375-5283. For people with disabilities: (TTY) 800-767-1833 or (VRS) 877-709-5797."
The reminder comes after the recent Marshall fire in Colorado.
The release states that USCIS offers immigration services for people that need and qualify them.
"When making a request, please explain how the impact of unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, created a need for the requested relief," the release states. "If you lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, include an explanation in your description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support your request."
According to the release, the following measures may be available based on an individual's case: changing a nonimmigrant status or lengthening a stay for a nonimmigrant individual currently in the United States; re-parole of those who were previously given parole by USCIS; the expedition of advance parole requests; expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization requests for F-1 students who are facing financial hardship; expedited adjudication of authorization applications for employment; fee waiver requests to be considered due to not being able to pay; flexibility on Request for Evidence of Notice of Intent to Deny but weren't able to submit evidence or respond fast enough; flexibility if unable to make it to scheduled USCIS interview; expedited replacement of immigration or travel documents issued by the USCIS that were lost or damaged; and appointment rescheduling for biometric services.
