Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Introduction:

Key Benefits of Temporary Protected Status (TPS):

1. Protection from Removal: Beneficiaries cannot be deported from the U.S.
2. Freedom from Detention: The Department of Homeland Security cannot detain TPS recipients.
3. Employment Authorization: They can secure an employment authorization document (EAD).
4. Travel Authorization: They may apply for travel permissions.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Permanent Residency:

Eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS):

• Be a national of a TPS-designated country, or a stateless person who last resided in such a country.
• Have had continuous physical presence and residency in the U.S. since the country’s latest designation.
• Not have any felony convictions or more than two misdemeanors in the U.S.
• Not be disqualified from asylum or have specific criminal or security-related inadmissibility grounds.

Maintaining and Re-Registering for Temporary Protected Status (TPS):

Late Registrations:

• Late Re-Registration: Individuals can apply late if they have a valid reason for missing their country’s re-registration deadline. However, this might interrupt their work authorization.
• Late Initial Registration: If the initial registration period for a country has passed, individuals can still apply for TPS for the first time if they meet one of the following conditions during the initial registration period:

1. 1. Held a nonimmigrant status, received voluntary departure, or received any relief from removal.
   2. Had a pending or under-review application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any other relief.
   3. Were on parole or had a pending re-parole request.
   4. Were, and possibly still are, married to a TPS-eligible individual.
   5. Were, and still are, a child of a TPS-eligible person.