Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for temporary protected status or TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. A country may be designated for TPS due to the following conditions in the country:

• Ongoing armed conflict;
• An environmental disaster;
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a national of a country designated for TPS;
• File during the open registration period given by DHS;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the most recent designation date of your country; and
• Have been continuously residing in the United States.

You will NOT be granted TPS status if you have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States; or are subject to the mandatory bars to Asylum.

If approved, a TPS beneficiary will receive employment authorization. They will not be detained by DHS on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States and they may be granted travel authorization.

Please note that recently, many TPS designations have been revoked, call our office for a consultation to find out more on the recent changes.