Temporary Protected Status: What You Should Know About Eligibility and Benefits

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a form of humanitarian relief that is offered by the United States government to individuals from certain countries impacted by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other circumstances that make it unsafe for them to return. TPS allows eligible people to temporarily stay in the U.S. and work. Understanding TPS eligibility and the benefits it offers is crucial for anyone seeking this form of protection. What do you need to know?

What Is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It was designed to provide temporary refuge to people from countries that are experiencing serious, life-threatening challenges like armed conflicts or environmental disasters. TPS designations are not offered broadly and instead are granted for specific countries and set for periods ranging from 6 to 18 months, although they can be extended by the DHS based on ongoing conditions in the designated country.

Who Can Apply for Temporary Protected Status?

To be eligible for TPS, applicants must meet several criteria set forth by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Country Designation

First, the applicant must be from a country that has been designated for TPS by the U.S. government. Each designation is based on specific, current conditions in the country that make it unsafe for someone to return. Some of the most common reasons for a TPS designation include:

  • Ongoing armed conflict
  • Environmental disasters
  • Extraordinary temporary conditions

The list of countries designated for TPS is constantly being updated based on evolving conditions. To see the current list of countries with TPS designation, visit the USCIS website.

Continuous Physical Presence in the United States

In order to be eligible, TPS applicants need to have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of their country’s TPS designation. The DHS specifies a date by which individuals from that country must have arrived in the country to be eligible. This requirement is designed to stop people from traveling to the U.S. after a TPS designation has been announced specifically to seek protection.

Continuous U.S. Residency

In addition to a continuous physical presence in the country, TPS applicants also have to show that they have resided in the U.S. since a specified date, which may be earlier than the date of TPS designation. It’s important to have evidence of your residence, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or other official documents, to establish how long you have been living in the United States.

Additional Requirements for Admissibility

Finally, some criminal convictions or security concerns may make someone ineligible for TPS. For example, applicants who have been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors in the U.S. are generally ineligible. Additionally, anyone involved in terrorist activities or who poses a security risk may also be denied.

What Are the Benefits of Temporary Protected Status?

  1. Protection from Deportation: One of the biggest benefits of TPS is that it protects you from deportation while your home country remains unsafe. As long as you maintain your TPS status, you cannot be removed from the U.S.
  2. Work Authorization: TPS recipients can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to legally work in the United States. Having the ability to work is critical, as it enables you to support yourself and your family while living in the U.S.
  3. Travel Authorization: While TPS holders are generally required to remain in the U.S., you can apply for a travel document known as “advance parole” if you need to travel abroad temporarily.

Partner with an Experienced Personal Immigration Attorney at The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence

If you or a loved one need help gaining Temporary Protected Status, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need.  Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation are both available to clients.

Contact Us

    Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC.
  • Address: 90 Painters Mill Road Suite 201 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
  • Phone: (443) 352-3201

  • Email: info@elawrencelaw.com

Follow Us