USCIS Guidance for Foreign Nationals Impacted by Civil Unrest or Natural Disasters in Their Home Country

This week, USCIS posted a series of tips for foreign nationals in the
United States who are impacted by either civil unrest or natural
disasters in their home country. In instances in which returning home as
originally planned may be impeded due to civil unrest or major natural
disasters, foreign nationals may be able to maintain their legal
immigration status in the United States. Temporary relief measures may
be available.

The following options are available for certain eligible foreign nationals affected by unrest/natural disasters:

• You may be able to change or extend your nonimmigrant status if you are currently in the U.S.
• Adjudication for requests for off-campus employment authorization
  for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship may be expedited.
• Processing of immigrant petitions for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent

residents whose priority dates are current may be expedited.

• In certain instances, employment authorization may be expedited as well.