Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

TPS is a humanitarian designation for people from certain countries deemed unsafe to return home. These are often countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

TPS is a status that can be granted to people for six, 12, or 18 months at a time. However, it is not a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.

What is TPS?

TPS is an immigration benefit that allows eligible people to live and work in the United States for up to 18 months. It can also be extended for an additional period.

TPS protects individuals from certain countries where natural disasters, civil wars, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions have displaced them. It is not a permanent status and can be ended or extended at any time by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

In addition, a tps lawyer can help you investigate these options. If you believe you qualify for any of these options, you must seek immigration legal assistance as soon as possible.

You must submit proof of your identity and nationality to apply for TPS. This includes a government-issued ID card or passport. You may also provide evidence of your citizenship from your home country, including a naturalization certificate or other documents proving your residence in the United States.

The Trump administration attempted to end TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan in 2017 and 2018. Courts blocked these terminations.

Why is TPS important?

TPS is an immigration relief program that allows eligible immigrants from certain countries to remain in the United States. This relief will enable them to avoid deportation or detention from the Department of Homeland Security and get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to work in the United States.

Many TPS recipients are deeply embedded in their communities and help support local economies in many ways. They work in various sectors, including construction, childcare, and healthcare.

TPS is essential for the United States because it protects the safety of people from designated nations who would otherwise face grave harm if they were to return home. It also helps maintain the integrity of the nation’s immigration laws and allows people to become legal permanent residents in the United States.

How do I apply for TPS?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status that protects from deportation and permission to work and travel. It does not lead to lawful permanent residence or citizenship, but it can last for years and be renewed by the government.

You must apply for TPS during a specific registration period and regularly re-register to maintain your status. These dates are different for each country.

TPS is a legal immigration status granted to nationals of countries experiencing extraordinary and temporary conditions that make it unsafe for them to return home. These conditions can include war, natural disasters, or other extreme circumstances.

When applying for TPS, you must answer questions about your country of origin and whether you currently live in the United States. You will also need to indicate the date you entered the United States and your type of visa.

What happens if I lose TPS?

The United States has welcomed and supported people from countries that are displaced by war or natural disasters since the 1990s through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. These TPS immigrants have established roots in the U.S. and raised families, contributing to our economy.

TPS comes up for renewal at 6 to 18-month intervals, depending on the situation in the country. During this time, the federal government determines whether the country can absorb its returning nationals safely.

In the meantime, TPS recipients are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work legally in the United States.

In addition to TPS, some TPS recipients may also be eligible for other immigration relief, such as asylum or a green card through marriage or another family relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.