Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program that allows legal immigrants who can’t return to their home country due to natural disasters or armed conflicts to reside in the U.S.
Instead of waiting for their home country to recover, these immigrants can apply for TPS and live in America with a work permit and other legal benefits for at least 18 months. Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can apply for TPS. However, remember that this humanitarian program is not a permanent residence. If you want to live in the U.S. with TPS rather than return home, read about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and general guidelines about this temporary immigration status.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Temporary Protected Status?
The eligibility requirements to apply for TPS that you should know about include the following:
- You must be from a country listed in the TPS program.
- You must have been physically present in the U.S. since the date your country was designated for the TPS program.
- You must file your TPS application during the registration period.
- You must have a continuous residence in the U.S. since the date your country was designated for the TPS program.
What Are the Temporary Protected Status Requirements?
The requirements for applying for TPS are generally the same for the designated countries. To know if you can apply for TPS, you should review country-specific TPS requirements from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you have criminal records, you might not qualify for TPS program. An immigration lawyer will examine whether you are eligible for TPS.
How to Apply for Temporary Protected Status?
There are a couple of ways to apply for TPS. Applicants can submit their TPS application online or by mail. An immigration lawyer near you will help you apply for TPS. You should check whether your home country is designated for TPS program. You will be required to submit certain documents or pay fees to apply for TPS. Also, you may be required to attend an interview at a local USCIS office.
Pros and Cons of Applying for Temporary Protected Status
Temporary protected status has some benefits but is generally not pursued as a long-term immigration solution. Applicants who want to become permanent residents must apply for a different program, such as family or employment-based green card, among others. Some potential pros of using TPS include the following. – It can lead to a work permit and travel authorization. – It allows you to live and work in the U.S. legally. – It can lead to a green card if you meet certain conditions. Some potential cons of applying for TPS include the following: – It is a temporary immigration status that must be renewed every few years. – It does not lead to permanent residence in the U.S. – It does not lead to a pathway to citizenship. – If the TPS designation ends you may be without legal status in the U.S. and be at risk of deportation.
Final Words: Is It Worth Applying For TPS?
Temporary protected status is a short-term solution that allows you to live and work in the U.S. while your home country recovers from a natural disaster or armed conflict. Although it offers many benefits, it is not a long-term solution and does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship. If you want to apply for TPS and wish to live in the U.S. legally, you must speak with an immigration lawyer near you. You should prepare your application as soon as possible and submit it before the TPS registration period ends.
TPS – The Same as Applying for Asylum?
No. TPS is only available to citizens of a select number of countries, whereas anybody can apply for asylum in the United States. However, if you are granted asylum, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Contact us or schedule a consultation to get started with your TPS application.
