Those who are citizens of countries and are forced to flee due to unsafe living conditions may qualify for TPS here in the United States. Many people from around the world are grateful the U.S. opens its doors to them in their time of need. Recently, USCIS has extended TPS, or temporary protected status, for six different countries. Read on to learn more about how this extension may affect you:
What does TPS mean?
The purpose of TPS is for the Secretary of Homeland Security can designate certain foreign countries if the Secretary believes that there are hazardous existing conditions in those countries that prevent their citizens from safely living there. Some conditions that may warrant a TPS designation can include environmental disasters, such as severe hurricanes, earthquakes, or any other severe enough natural disaster. Additionally, ongoing armed conflicts, like civil wars, or any other “extraordinary and temporary conditions” may be enough to provide citizens of certain countries TPS.
Those eligible upon initial review are deemed unremovable from the United States, able to obtain employment authorization documents and potentially granted travel authorization. Once TPS is granted, you cannot be detained or deported by DHS on the basis of your immigration status.
Fortunately, though TPS is not permanent, it does not prevent you from applying for various immigration programs. For example, you may apply for nonimmigrant status, file for an adjustment of status, or any other immigration benefit or protection. As long as you meet certain requirements, you may qualify. Currently, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are all designated for TPS.
Which countries have recently extended TPS?
The six countries that will be extending expiration dates are El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan (from January 2, 2020, to January 4, 2021), Honduras (from January 5, 2020, to January 4, 2021), and Nepal (from March 24, 2020, to January 4, 2021).
If you are someone who needs an EAD to work while in the U.S., or have any other questions pertaining to TPS, do not hesitate to speak with our experienced immigration firm. We know that immigration-related affairs can be complicated, nerve-wracking, and just plain intimidating. We seek to mitigate that stress through honest legal assistance. Speak with us to learn more.
Contact our experienced Wisconsin firm
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters, which is why If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.