Temporary Protected Status

Date of Information: 06/12/2025

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What Is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian immigration program established under the Immigration Act of 1990. It grants temporary legal status and work authorization to eligible nationals of certain countries experiencing conditions that temporarily prevent safe return, such as:

  • Ongoing armed conflict (e.g., civil war)

  • Environmental disasters (e.g., earthquake, hurricane, epidemic)

  • Other extraordinary and temporary conditions

TPS is not a path to lawful permanent residency (a green card) by itself, but it protects individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally in the United States for the duration of the designation.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for TPS, an individual must:

  1. Be a national of a country designated for TPS by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

  2. File during the open registration or re-registration period (unless eligible for late initial filing).

  3. Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of the most recent TPS designation.

  4. Have continuously resided in the U.S. since a date specified in the Federal Register notice.

  5. Not have certain criminal convictions or be barred by security-related grounds.

TPS does not require that the individual entered the U.S. lawfully, but certain criminal offenses may disqualify applicants.

Countries Currently Designated for TPS

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS for a period of 6, 12, or 18 months. As of 06/12/2025, TPS designations exist for countries including:

  • Afghanistan

  • El Salvador

  • Haiti

  • Honduras

  • Myanmar (Burma)

  • Somalia

  • South Sudan

  • Sudan

  • Syria

  • Ukraine

  • Venezuela

  • Yemen

For the most recent list of TPS countries and deadlines, visit https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status.

What TPS Provides

  • ✅ Protection from removal (deportation) from the U.S.

  • ✅ Work authorization through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

  • ✅ Permission to apply for travel authorization (Advance Parole)

However:

  • ❌ TPS does not lead to a green card or citizenship by itself.

  • ❌ It does not grant legal immigration status outside of TPS protections.

Important Deadlines and Re-Registration

If your country is designated for TPS:

  • You must apply during the initial registration window.

  • If you already have TPS, you must re-register during the designated re-registration period to maintain status and work authorization.

  • DHS often extends or redesignates TPS for specific countries based on updated conditions.

Failure to re-register on time may result in the loss of TPS protection and work authorization.

TPS vs. Asylum and Refugee Status

TPS Can End Abruptly: A Cautionary Tale

While Temporary Protected Status (TPS) offers vital relief, it's important to understand that it is inherently temporary and subject to change. The U.S. government can terminate a country's TPS designation with little notice, leaving beneficiaries in a precarious position.

Real-World Example: El Salvador's TPS Termination

In January 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of TPS for El Salvador, affecting approximately 200,000 Salvadorans who had lived in the U.S. since the 2001 earthquakes. The termination was set to take effect on September 9, 2019, giving beneficiaries 18 months to prepare. This decision was met with widespread concern, as many TPS holders had established deep roots in the U.S., including raising families and contributing to the economy. In 2025, the Trump administration did it again with Haitian nationals.

Stay Proactive

Given the temporary nature of TPS, it's crucial to explore all available immigration options to secure a more permanent status. Our experienced legal team can help you assess your situation and identify potential pathways to lawful permanent residency or other forms of relief.

Common Questions

Can I apply for TPS if I already have a pending asylum case?
Yes, TPS and asylum can be pursued at the same time. In fact, applying for TPS may help avoid removal while your asylum claim is processed.

Can I apply for TPS if I entered unlawfully?
Yes, unlike many immigration benefits, TPS is available to individuals regardless of how they entered the country, as long as they meet other eligibility requirements.

What happens if TPS ends for my country?
You will lose the protections and benefits of TPS unless you qualify for another form of immigration relief (e.g., asylum, adjustment of status through marriage to a U.S. citizen).

Need Help Applying for TPS?

Navigating TPS deadlines and eligibility can be confusing—we’re here to help. At Charles International Law, we specialize in humanitarian immigration and complex national security-related cases. Contact us today to:

  • Determine your eligibility

  • File your TPS application or re-registration

  • Explore other forms of relief that may lead to permanent residency