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Temporary Protected Status

The immigration process can be complex to navigate, and the rules from United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) and the White House are subject to change quickly. But if you are from what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers a “dangerous country,” you may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

In order to be eligible for TPS, the Secretary of Homeland Security must designate your country of origin as dangerous due to conditions temporarily preventing the country’s citizens from safely returning home from abroad. USCIS may grant TPS to those eligible nationals currently in the United States. The following temporary conditions in a foreign country may result in a grant of TPS status:

  • Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war);
  • An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic; or
  • Other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

If you are eligible for TPS, DHS will direct ICE not to detain you on the basis of your immigration status in the United States. Individual beneficiaries of TPS or those found eligible:

  • Are not removable by the United States;
  • Can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD); and
  • May be granted travel authorization.

TPS status does not mean you get lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card), but it also does not prevent you from applying for other nonimmigrant statuses if you qualify. These statuses include asylum, refugee protections or an appropriate nonimmigrant visa. You may also be able to adjust status based on an immigrant petition or apply for other benefits for which you are eligible.

Along with country conditions, you must be eligible to be granted TPS. Some notable eligibility requirements are nationality, continuous physical presence in the United States, and no disqualifiers such as conviction of felony (though in limited circumstances, you may be able to “waive” the felony).

Filing can be complex as there are necessary forms, fees, and evidence for a TPS application. USCIS has detailed guidelines for what evidence is necessary for your application to establish TPS. Since there are many complexities in filing a TPS application, it is imperative to hire a good lawyer.

If you’re considering seeking TPS in the United States, call our office to schedule with an immigration lawyer immediately.

Countries currently given Temporary Protected Status (as of February 2025):

  • Afghanistan
  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • Cameroon
  • El Salvador
  • Ethiopia
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Lebanon
  • Nepal
  • Nicaragua
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • South Sudan
  • Syria
  • Ukraine
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen

For the most current list, check here.

Individuals are eligible if:

  • You are a national from one of the designated countries;
  • You do not have a nationality, but you reside in one of the designated countries;
  • You file during the initial registration period or re-registration period (some individuals may meet requirements for late filing);
  • You have been residing in the United States continuously since the specified date for your country.

Individuals may NOT be eligible if:

  • You have been convicted of a felony or two (or more) misdemeanors in the U.S.;
  • You are inadmissible as an immigrant;
  • You do not meet the requirements for continuous residence/presence in the U.S.;
  • You have participated in terroristic activity or persecution of another individual; or
  • You do not re-register for temporary protected status when required to do so.

Application Assistance

Having an experienced immigration attorney can help when you or a loved one are filing for Temporary Protected Status. The attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm can help you to review your case and ensure that you meet all registration deadlines and requirements. Contact us today for assistance with your application.

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