Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

What is TPS?

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is authorized to designate a foreign country for TPS if conditions arise that temporarily prevent that country’s nationals from returning safely or if the country is unable to adequately handle return of it’s nationals. TPS can be granted to nationals of these countries (or parts of the country) and for individuals who are stateless who last resided in a TPS-designated country.

What are the reasons that a country is designated for TPS?

If the following temporary conditions exist in a foreign country, the Secretary may designate that country for TPS:

1. Ongoing armed conflict (such as a civil war);

2. An enviornmental disaster (such as an earthquake or hurricane) or epidemic, and;

3. Other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

What are the eligibility requirements for TPS?

I was granted TPS, what does this mean for me?

In order to be eligibile for TPS, you must:

Be a national of a country designated for TPS OR be a person without a nationality who last resided in a country designated for TPS;
File during the initial registration or re-registration period OR meet the requirements for late initial filing during any extension of your country’s TPS designation;
Have been physically present in the U.S. since your country’s most recent TPS designation date, AND;
Have been continuously residing in the U.S. since the date specified for your country.

*You MUST re-register for TPS as required or you risk accruing Unlawful Presence and/ or being placed in Removal Proceedings.*

If your application for TPS is granted, as long as your country remains designated for TPS and you renew your TPS status as required, the following benefits apply to you:

1. You are not removable from the U.S.;

2. You cannot be detained by DHS because of your immigration status;

3. You are eligible to apply for Employment Authorization, and;

4. You are eligible to apply for a Advance Parole (Travel Document).

*Please note, if you are granted TPS, you are still not eligible to apply for a Green Card.*