Which immigrants can seek temporary protection in the U.S. and why?
Temporary Protected Status is an immigration status granted to eligible nationals of a designated country based on urgent humanitarian need. Nationals of the designated country who are present in the U.S. on a specified date may qualify to remain in the U.S. until the situation in their home country is resolved.
Which countries have TPS status?
TPS is a way to keep our international neighbors safe. In the past, TPS has been designated for countries experiencing war, natural disaster, or other national crises. Today, there are 14 countries designated for TPS status. Nationals of these designated countries who were studying, visiting, or otherwise present in the U.S. when crises occurred in their homeland were temporarily protected from deportation.
The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to designate a county for TPS, which provides us with the opportunity to welcome them in a time of crisis. Today, Ukraine and Afghanistan are of the 14 countries designated for TPS status. As of April 2022, eligible Ukrainian nationals can file for TPS registration. Afghanistan’s TPS has not yet been made official, therefore eligible Afghan nationals must wait a bit longer before registering.
How long does Temporary Protected Status last?
Applicants for TPS have to register with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and can apply for authorization to work. This application package costs $545. TPS is usually designated for a period of 6 to 18 months. When this designation expires, TPS holders lose their protected immigration status and can no longer work or live in the U.S. lawfully, but TPS can be renewed beyond the initial designation depending on country conditions, with a new registration fee required.
We thank God for our international neighbors made friends through the TPS program.
Written by Arrive Ministries Immigration Legal Services staff
What is the process like to file for TPS?
In addition to paying $545 to file the initial application package, the applicant must submit evidence of their nationality and evidence that they have been physically present in the U.S. during the designation period. They also have to go through biometrics and interagency security checks.
