Like many other countries, the United States offers several forms of humanitarian relief for individuals who have fled dangerous conditions in their home countries.
One of these types of relief is called Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS is a program that allows individuals from designated countries to reside in the U.S. because they would face extreme hardship if they returned to their homes.
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS if the country is experiencing:
- Ongoing armed conflict
- An environmental disaster
- An epidemic
- Other extreme and temporary conditions (including severe poverty resulting from the above events or conditions)
Generally, a country is designated for TPS for a certain amount of time, and the DHS Secretary must choose whether or not to extend TPS before it expires.
On December 9th, USCIS published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that TPS would be extended for:
- El Salvador;
- Haiti;
- Nicaragua;
- Sudan;
- Honduras; and
- Nepal.
TPS for these countries was set to expire on January 4, 2021, but documentation will now be valid until October 4, 2021. Individuals from South Sudan can qualify for TPS through May 2, 2022.
Why Is TPS So Important?
TPS provides more than just protection against deportation. Recipients can also obtain work authorization and even travel authorization for trips abroad. They have the right to live anywhere in the United States while TPS for their country is still in place. In essence, TPS allows individuals to live and work in the United States until their home countries are ready for them to return.
Some TPS recipients, in fact, have been in the U.S. for decades. Unfortunately, they do not currently have a means of obtaining a green card or citizenship. However, some TPS recipients may be able to apply for nonimmigrant status, an immigrant visa, DACA, or asylum, depending on their circumstances and whether any family members or employers can sponsor them.
Let Us Help You Stay Safe in the United States
At The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh, our goal is to use our years of experience and extensive knowledge to help you take advantage of any and all immigration opportunities at your disposal. No matter what reason you have for leaving your country, we believe in your right to seek safety and security in the U.S., and we want to be your trusted advocates as you work toward temporary or permanent status.
Call 717-900-1818 or send us an online message to schedule your case evaluation today. We offer services in English, Spanish, and Italian.
