Temporary Protected Status
TPS
What is TPS?
TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, is a benefit that allows you to remain in the United States when you are unable to return to your home country due to extraordinary and temporary conditions, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other circumstances that prevent a safe return.
Who can apply for TPS?
- Immigrants physically present in the United States who are nationals of countries temporarily designated under the following criteria:
Citizens of a country designated by the U.S. government to receive TPS because of extraordinary and temporary conditions in that country, such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other circumstances that prevent safe return. - A person who was physically present in the United States on the date that TPS was granted to that country, or who arrived in the United States on a specific date set by the government.
- Immigrants who have applied for TPS during the periods when the government makes this option available.
- Individuals who meet other specific requirements set by the government, such as not having an aggravated criminal record.
Types of TPS
The specific types of TPS can vary by country and group of people, depending on the particular circumstances of each country and situation.
Some of the most common types of TPS are :
- Natural Disaster TPS: Granted to individuals whose home countries are experiencing severe natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or other catastrophic events.
- Armed Conflict TPS: Granted to persons whose countries are experiencing internal or external armed conflict that threatens security and stability and makes safe return difficult.
- TPS for Other Temporary Conditions: Granted to persons whose countries are experiencing extraordinary temporary conditions that make return dangerous or infeasible, such as epidemics, humanitarian crises, or other similar circumstances.
Benefits of TPS
- Legal Stay: Having TPS allows you to remain in the United States legally for the designated period, even if you are in the country temporarily.
- Employment Authorization: TPS holders can obtain a work permit that allows them to work legally in the United States during the period of TPS.
You will have access to social security, a document that allows you to work, open a bank account, pay taxes, and receive retirement or disability benefits. - Protection from deportation: As long as you have TPS and meet the conditions for maintaining your status, you are protected from deportation.
- Ability to obtain travel authorization: In some cases, TPS holders may be able to apply for a travel authorization that allows them to leave and return to the United States during the period of TPS.
- Access to limited benefits: Depending on specific policies and government regulations, TPS holders may have access to certain public benefits, such as driver’s licenses and, in some cases, health benefits..
How to access TPS?
- The first thing you should do is check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the updated list of countries eligible for TPS.
- You must be in the United States on the date of designation or have arrived by a specific date set by the government. You must also meet other specific requirements, such as not having a serious criminal record.
- Once your country is designated for TPS and the enrollment period opens, you must complete and submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, along with any additional required documentation and pay the appropriate fees.
- If you are granted TPS, you must comply with all maintenance of status requirements, including renewing your status as necessary and complying with U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Who is eligible for TPS?
Eligibility for TPS in the United States depends on several factors, including the country of origin and the specific circumstances of each individual. Some aspects include:
- Being a citizen of a country designated by the U.S. government to receive TPS because of extraordinary and temporary conditions in that country, such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other circumstances that prevent safe return.
- Be physically present in the United States on the date of the TPS designation for that country, or have arrived by a specific date set by the government.
- Meet additional requirements set by the government, such as not having a serious criminal record and meeting other specific eligibility criteria.
What countries can apply for TPS?
Currently, there are 16 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Cameroon
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Somalia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am from one of the countries eligible for TPS, am I guaranteed access?
No, only those who meet the required conditions can apply. For example
– Be in the country on the dates the TPS is activated.
– Do not have a criminal record.
How long does Temporary Protected Status last?
It does not have a standard duration, it depends on the country and the conditions under which it is approved.
What happens when TPS ends?
If your TPS expires and you are not eligible to re-register, you will generally return to your pre-TPS immigration status. Therefore, you should initiate another type of immigration processing that fits your conditions.
What is TPS?
TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, is a benefit that allows you to remain in the United States when you are unable to return to your home country due to extraordinary and temporary conditions, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other circumstances that prevent a safe return.
Who can apply for TPS?
- Immigrants physically present in the United States who are nationals of countries temporarily designated under the following criteria:
Citizens of a country designated by the U.S. government to receive TPS because of extraordinary and temporary conditions in that country, such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other circumstances that prevent safe return. - A person who was physically present in the United States on the date that TPS was granted to that country, or who arrived in the United States on a specific date set by the government.
- Immigrants who have applied for TPS during the periods when the government makes this option available.
- Individuals who meet other specific requirements set by the government, such as not having an aggravated criminal record.
Types of TPS
Los tipos específicos de TPS pueden variar según el país y el grupo de personas, en función de las circunstancias particulares de cada nación y situación.
Algunos de los tipos comunes de TPS son:
- TPS por desastres naturales: Otorgado a personas cuyos países de origen están experimentando desastres naturales graves, como terremotos, huracanes, inundaciones u otros eventos catastróficos.
- TPS por conflictos armados: Otorgado a personas cuyos países están experimentando conflictos armados internos o externos que amenazan la seguridad y la estabilidad, lo que dificulta un retorno seguro.
- TPS por otras condiciones temporales: Otorgado a personas cuyos países están experimentando condiciones temporales extraordinarias que hacen que regresar sea peligroso o impracticable, como epidemias, crisis humanitarias u otras circunstancias similares.
Benefits of TPS
- Legal Stay: Having TPS allows you to remain in the United States legally for the designated period, even if you are in the country temporarily.
- Employment Authorization: TPS holders can obtain a work permit that allows them to work legally in the United States during the period of TPS.
You will have access to social security, a document that allows you to work, open a bank account, pay taxes, and receive retirement or disability benefits. - Protection from deportation: As long as you have TPS and meet the conditions for maintaining your status, you are protected from deportation.
- Ability to obtain travel authorization: In some cases, TPS holders may be able to apply for a travel authorization that allows them to leave and return to the United States during the period of TPS.
- Access to limited benefits: Depending on specific policies and government regulations, TPS holders may have access to certain public benefits, such as driver’s licenses and, in some cases, health benefits..
How to access TPS?
- The first thing you should do is check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the updated list of countries eligible for TPS.
- You must be in the United States on the date of designation or have arrived by a specific date set by the government. You must also meet other specific requirements, such as not having a serious criminal record.
- Once your country is designated for TPS and the enrollment period opens, you must complete and submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, along with any additional required documentation and pay the appropriate fees.
- If you are granted TPS, you must comply with all maintenance of status requirements, including renewing your status as necessary and complying with U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Who is eligible for TPS?
Eligibility for TPS in the United States depends on several factors, including the country of origin and the specific circumstances of each individual. Some aspects include:
- Being a citizen of a country designated by the U.S. government to receive TPS because of extraordinary and temporary conditions in that country, such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other circumstances that prevent safe return.
- Be physically present in the United States on the date of the TPS designation for that country, or have arrived by a specific date set by the government.
- Meet additional requirements set by the government, such as not having a serious criminal record and meeting other specific eligibility criteria.
What countries can apply for TPS?
Currently, there are 16 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Cameroon
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Somalia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am from one of the countries eligible for TPS, am I guaranteed access?
No, only those who meet the required conditions can apply. For example
– Be in the country on the dates the TPS is activated.
– Do not have a criminal record.
How long does Temporary Protected Status last?
It does not have a standard duration, it depends on the country and the conditions under which it is approved.
What happens when TPS ends?
If your TPS expires and you are not eligible to re-register, you will generally return to your pre-TPS immigration status. Therefore, you should initiate another type of immigration processing that fits your conditions.
