Temporary Protected Status

When certain countries become dangerously unstable, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security may declare that citizens of that nation are eligible for Temporary Protected Status in America. What does this mean, and do you qualify for such protection? Speak with the immigration attorneys at Ferrer Shane Gonzalez to learn more.

What Is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is granted to citizens of certain nations in which conditions have become incredibly dangerous. This danger may be the result of political unrest, war, genocide or natural disasters. Regardless, the U.S. recognizes that the citizens of such countries may not be able to return to their homeland without fearing for their lives.

Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may declare that the citizens of such a country should be given Temporary Protected Status. This benefit is precisely what it sounds like. It offers a temporary reprieve to people who originate from certain nations where extremely hazardous conditions exist. In order to qualify, foreign citizens must already be in the U.S. when their country is placed on the TPS list.

The list of countries whose citizens are eligible for TPS fluctuates with time. Countries that are currently on the list include:

• El Salvador;
• Yemen;
• Haiti;
• Syria;
• Honduras;
• Sudan;
• Nepal;
• South Sudan;
• Nicaragua; and
• Somalia.

Benefits of TPS

Citizens who are from countries that are on the TPS list may not be removed from the U.S. as long as their country remains on the list. Additionally, these individuals are eligible to obtain employment authorization documents, and they may even be given the authorization to travel.

Once an individual has been granted TPS, the Department of Homeland Security is prohibited from detaining them based on their immigration status.

However, it is important to understand that having TPS does not lead to the status of being a lawful permanent resident. That is an entirely separate process. People who have TPS may begin the process of obtaining a green card if they want to permanently reside in the U.S.

Is Everyone Eligible for TPS?

Certain factors may render individuals ineligible for TPS. Those who have a felony conviction or several misdemeanors in the U.S. may not qualify. Individuals found to have participated in the persecution of others or inciting terrorist activity similarly may be barred. Anyone who hasn’t met certain requirements for continuous residence or continuous physical presence in the U.S. also may not qualify.

Ask Ferrer Shane Gonzalez About Temporary Protected Status

If you are not certain whether or not you qualify for Temporary Protected Status, the best thing that you can do is to discuss your situation with a qualified Miami immigration lawyer. The practitioners at Ferrer Shane Gonzalez have considerable experience with TPS applications, and this means that they may help you as well.

Experience counts when it comes to immigration matters. You should only trust your TSP application to legal professionals who understand the law and know the process from beginning to end. Contact Ferrer Shane Gonzalez to schedule a consultation.