In March 2011, the U.S Government added Venezuelans and Burmese to the list of people eligible for Temporary Protected Status, a program that provides immigrants from designated countries with time-limited permission to live and work in the United States.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries (or parts thereof). In 1990 Congress established a procedure (IMMACT 90) by which the Attorney General may provide TPS to nationals of a particular country who are in the United States and are unable to return to their homeland due to:
Ongoing armed conflict within the state and, due to that conflict, the return of nationals to that state would pose a serious threat to their personal safety.
An environmental disaster resulting in a substantial, temporary disruption of living conditions, the state is temporarily unable to adequately handle returning nationals and the state therefore requests TPS designation.
Other extraordinary and temporary conditions in the state that prevent nationals from returning safely, unless the Attorney General finds that permitting nationals of the state to remain temporarily is contrary to the national interest of the United States.
A TPS designation can be made for 6, 12, or 18 months at a time. At least 60 days prior to the expiration of TPS, the U.S government must decide whether to extend or terminate a designation based on the conditions in the foreign country. If an extension or termination decision is not published at least 60 days in advance of expiration, the designation is automatically extended for six months.
To apply for TPS, an individual must:
You may NOT be eligible for TPS or to maintain your existing TPS if you:
If you have a criminal record, please contact the Law Offices of Sabrina Li before applying for TPS.
If USCIS grants TPS, that applicant receives a temporary stay of deportation and temporary authorization to work in the United States. TPS beneficiaries are also eligible for permission to travel abroad and return to the United States, but they must apply for the travel permission separately.
As of March 2021, the following 12 countries have unexpired TPS designation:
TPS does not provide beneficiaries with a separate path to a green card or citizenship. However, a TPS recipient who otherwise is eligible for permanent residence may apply for that status.
TPS beneficiaries return their original immigration status that they held prior to receiving TPS, unless that status has expired, or they successfully acquired a new immigration status.
If you believe you are eligible for TPS and would like to get further assistance from the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our attorneys possess diverse immigration experience and have an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between various immigration laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring accurate and comprehensive guidance. We offer a full range of immigration services, addressing all aspects of your case while identifying potential opportunities and challenges.
We provide a tailored approach to each client's case, ensuring that you receive individualized attention and a customized strategy for your unique situation. We adjust our strategy as your needs or circumstances change, guaranteeing a seamless transition between different phases of your immigration journey.
Our team is composed of immigrant and first-generation American professionals, along with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Many of us have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced during the immigration process. This allows us to provide guidance and advocacy rooted in authentic understanding.
