Recently, USCIS responded to an inquiry from the Ethiopian Community Development Council regarding concern for displaced Ethiopians and Ethiopian students in the U.S. As part of the reply USCIS stated that “…USCIS also offers support that may be available upon request to assist eligible Ethiopian nationals, and other individuals who last habitually resided in Ethiopia affected by special situations, including the following:
- Change or extension of nonimmigrant status for noncitizens currently in the United States, even if the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
- Expedited processing of requests for advance parole documents;
- Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
- Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
- Assistance if applicants received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny and were unable to appear for an interview, submit evidence, or respond in a timely manner because of the special situation; and
- Replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).”
