Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status for nationals of a country that is experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or another extraordinary and temporary condition. Although TPS is for a specific period of time, it can be extended. When the expiration date is near, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will determine whether conditions in that country continue to make it unsafe for its nationals in the U.S. to return.  

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TPS

• Be aware of DHS decisions

The law requires DHS to decide whether to extend or terminate a country’s TPS designation at least 60 days before it is set to expire. Over the coming months, the administration will make decisions about TPS designations for several countries.

What countries have TPS?

• *El Salvador (Extended until January 2, 2020)
• *Haiti (Extended until January 2, 2020)
• *Honduras (Termination was scheduled to be effective January 5, 2020, but is on hold)
• *Nepal (Termination was scheduled to be effective June 24, 2019, but is on hold; employment authorization is auto-extended through March 24, 2020)
• *Nicaragua (Extended until January 2, 2020)
• Somalia (Extended until March 17, 2020)
• South Sudan (Extended until November 2, 2020)
• *Sudan (Extended until January 2, 2020)
• Syria (Extended until September 30, 2019)
• Yemen (Extended until March 3, 2020)

 *As of May 2019, these TPS designations had been terminated by DHS but will not go into effect until further notice, contingent upon rulings in at least two lawsuits, including: Bhattarai v. Nielsen (Honduras and Nepal) and Ramos v. Nielsen (El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan).

• TPS country terminations do not take effect immediately: by law, termination cannot take effect until 60 days after
  • the Federal Register notice of termination is published or
  • the expiration of the most recent extension, if that date is later.
• TPS benefits may be extended before the announced termination takes effect to ensure an orderly transition.   

To continue to legally work in the U.S. until the end of the termination or extension periods, nationals of these countries must re-register. Rules for maintaining employment in the U.S. are different for every TPS population.

• You are not required to notify your employer of a TPS status change
• Your lawful work authorization will end once TPS termination takes effect.
• You may be subject to being arrested and removal proceedings if you lose your TPS and have no other lawful status.
• Consult with a trusted legal provider to find out if you are eligible for another type of relief.

To know about changes to TPS and other developments visit USCIS.gov or contact them at 800-375-5283.

To find affordable legal assistance within your area visit ImmigrationLawHelp.org