Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is, for lack of a better description, temporary lawful residence in the United States.  TPS gives the holder the ability to live and work in the United States during the period of validity.

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.

Generally, when a country is designated for TPS, the grant of TPS is available to eligible nationals of that country who are physically present in the United States at the time of the designation.  The Secretary of Homeland Security will periodically review the TPS designation for each country and either terminate or extend the designation.

TPS for nationals of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua are at a critical point. The Secretary of Homeland Security terminated the TPS designation for El Salvador and Nicaragua. It has not yet been determined whether the TPS designation for Honduras will terminate or extend. Below is a chart on the current state of TPS, the re-registration periods and the recommended steps to take.

I strongly recommend that each person with a valid TPS do all of the following immediately:

1. Re-register for TPS
2. Apply for a new Employment Authorization Document
3. Apply for an Advanced Parole (travel) Document.

Be certain your properly completed TPS package is received by the USCIS before the end of the re-registration period.  If you have not already done so, TPS holders should immediately consult with competent immigration counsel to evaluate immigration alternatives.

If you would like our assistance in preparing, filing and monitoring your TPS case, please contact us as soon as possible by phone or email.