Temporary Protected Status

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

The U.S. government designates certain countries for TPS when conditions in those countries temporarily prevent their citizens from safely returning home. TPS provides eligible nationals of these countries, or individuals without nationality who last resided in one of the designated countries, with temporary legal status in the U.S.

Key benefits of TPS include:

• Temporary protection from deportation.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• The ability to apply for a travel document (Advance Parole) to travel outside the U.S. and return.

Who is Eligible for TPS?

To be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality:

   • You must be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last resided in a TPS-designated country.

2. Continuous Physical Presence:

   • You must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of your country’s TPS designation.

3. Continuous Residence:

   • You must have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date specified in your country’s TPS designation. Short, temporary departures may be allowed under certain conditions, but extended absences may affect eligibility.

4. Eligibility for Asylum/Refugee Protection:

   • You must not have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
   • You must not be found inadmissible under immigration laws for reasons such as criminal activity, security concerns, or terrorism-related grounds.
   • You must not be subject to any bars, such as participating in persecution or engaging in terrorist activities.

Countries Currently Designated for TPS

The U.S. government periodically reviews and updates the list of TPS-designated countries. Some of the countries that may currently be designated for TPS include:

• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Haiti
• Venezuela
• Sudan
• Somalia
• Yemen
• Nepal
• South Sudan
• Syria

Note: This list may change based on conditions in these countries and U.S. government decisions. Our team provides up-to-date information on current TPS designations.

Our TPS Application Services Include:

1. Eligibility Assessment

We begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your situation to determine whether you qualify for TPS. We review your nationality, residency, physical presence, and any potential bars to TPS eligibility, such as criminal convictions or prior immigration violations.

2. Form I-821 Preparation

To apply for TPS, individuals must submit Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status). We assist with the complete preparation and filing of Form I-821, ensuring that all necessary information is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.

3. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application

One of the key benefits of TPS is the ability to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work legally in the U.S. We assist with filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) as part of your TPS application, ensuring that you receive your work permit while your TPS status is active.

4. Advance Parole (Travel Document) Application

If you need to travel outside the U.S. while holding TPS, you must apply for Advance Parole, which allows you to re-enter the U.S. after temporary travel abroad. We assist with filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) to secure permission for travel and ensure that you can safely return to the U.S. without jeopardizing your TPS status.

5. Evidence Collection and Supporting Documentation

A successful TPS application requires proof of nationality, continuous residence, and physical presence in the U.S. We help you gather the necessary supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of identity and nationality (e.g., passport, birth certificate, or other official documents).
• Documentation of continuous residence in the U.S. (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, employment records, or affidavits).
• Evidence of continuous physical presence in the U.S., such as travel records, official letters, and statements from employers or schools.

6. Renewal of TPS Status

TPS status is temporary, and countries designated for TPS are reviewed periodically. If the designation for your country is extended, we help you renew your TPS status to ensure continued protection from deportation and authorization to work in the U.S. We assist with filing the necessary renewal forms before your current TPS period expires.

7. Legal Representation in Case of Denials

If your TPS application is denied, we provide legal representation to explore options for appealing the decision or filing a motion to reconsider. We review the reasons for denial, gather additional evidence if necessary, and work to resolve any issues that may have led to the rejection of your application.

Why Choose Us for TPS Application Services?

• Comprehensive Expertise: We have extensive experience handling TPS applications, renewals, and related filings, ensuring that your application is prepared accurately and on time.
• Personalized Guidance: We offer personalized assistance tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that your application is supported by strong evidence and meets all legal requirements.
• Complete Support: From determining eligibility to filing forms and gathering supporting documents, we provide end-to-end support to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
• Ongoing Assistance: We stay up to date on changes to TPS designations and policies, ensuring that you have the most current information regarding your status and options for renewal.

Important TPS Considerations

• TPS Extensions and Termination: The U.S. government periodically reviews and decides whether to extend or terminate TPS designations for each country. It is important to stay informed about the status of your country’s designation and take timely action to renew your status.
• Path to Permanent Residency: TPS does not provide a direct path to a Green Card or U.S. citizenship. However, individuals with TPS may be eligible to adjust status through family-based petitions, employment-based sponsorship, or other immigration categories if they meet the requirements.

Need Help with Your TPS Application?
Our experienced team is here to assist you with every step of the TPS application process, ensuring that your application is complete and supported by the necessary documentation. Contact us today for personalized assistance with your TPS application or renewal.