Temporary Protected Status
Rhode Island and Massachusetts Immigration Lawyer
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is given to eligible citizens of other countries who are presently in the United States of America due to conditions in their home country that prevent them from returning home safely. Also, eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may be granted TPS.
TPS may be granted due to the following temporary conditions in a designated country:
- Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
- An environmental disaster or an epidemic
- Other extraordinary and temporary conditions
Once a country is designated for TPS, there is a registration period and eligible individuals must apply during that time.
When filing an initial TPS application, applicants must submit the following evidence:
- Evidence demonstrating that the applicant is a national of a country designated for TPS or that he or she has no nationality but last resided in a country designated for TPS.
- The date of entry evidence must show when the applicant entered the United States.
- Evidence proving that the applicant has continuously resided in the United States for a certain duration of time depending on the immigrant’s individual circumstances.
Once granted TPS, an individual cannot be detained by the Department of Homeland Security on the basis of his or her immigration status.
TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status. However, once granted TPS, an individual is not removable from the United States, can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD), and may be granted travel authorization. Furthermore, a TPS beneficiary may still apply for any other immigration benefit or protection he or she might be eligible for. Once an individual is granted TPS, he or she must re-register during re-registration periods to maintain benefits.
If you think that your home country might have been designated for Temporary Protected Status and you are interested in applying for TPS, you should meet with an experienced immigration attorney. The Law Office of Saikon Gbehan, LLC. is here to help you and your loved ones with your case.
Contact our office today for a consultation.
