What Is TPS Eligibility?
When dealing with the US immigration system, it often seems like there’s no shortage of confusing terms and acronyms. One of these acronyms is “TPS,” which stands for Temporary Protected Status. But what exactly does this term mean? Can it help with your immigration journey? And perhaps most importantly, how do you know if you’re eligible for TPS? These questions are best left answered by a qualified, experienced immigration attorney. But here’s what you need to know right off the bat:
What is TPS?
Temporary protected status is granted to individuals who cannot return safely to their home nations. This status allows individuals to continue working and living in the United States until it is safe to return. You may be granted TPS status if your country is dealing with the following issues:
- Armed conflicts
- Natural disasters
- “Extraordinary, temporary conditions”
Armed conflicts are quite self-explanatory, and this includes not only wars between nations but also internal conflicts such as civil wars and struggles with terrorist groups. Natural disasters include not only things like earthquakes and tsunamis but also epidemics. Perhaps the most confusing issue is “extraordinary and temporary conditions,” which can refer to basically anything else that doesn’t fall under the above two categories.
TPS is granted for 6, 12, or 18 months. You can only stay in the USA if you pose no national security threat to the nation. You will likely be denied TPS if you have a considerable criminal record.
Which Countries Are Currently Covered?
Because wars and natural disasters are constantly changing, the list of TPS-designated countries is also in a constant state of flux. To check whether your home nation is covered under this list, you should check with Homeland Security’s official website.
On October 19th of 2022, it was reported that Ukrainian nationals in the United States could now be eligible for TPS. This was a reflection of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
TPS also changes depending on the political party that is currently in power. For example, Donald Trump sought to end TPS for all countries, although a series of lawsuits prevented him from making much progress in this regard.
How Does TPS Affect my Immigration Goals?
TPS may help you emigrate to the United States by giving you enough time to assess your options for a green card. During your stay in the nation, you might marry a US citizen. You can also qualify for permanent residency by other means. Finally, you can use this time to get in touch with an immigration attorney to further assess your options.
Where Can I Find an Immigration Attorney in Palm Beach County?
For help from a skilled Palm Beach County immigration lawyer, contact the Devore Law Group. Over the years, we have helped numerous immigrants learn more about their options and move forward with confidence and efficiency. TPS is only one potential concept to consider as you move towards a new home in the United States, and there are many others. Book a consultation today and learn more about your options.
Sources:
uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
boundless.com/immigration-resources/temporary-protected-status/
pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/10/19/biden-administration-further-expands-temporary-protected-status-to-cover-afghanistan-cameroon-ukraine/
