What is TPS?
The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status (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.
USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.
The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to the following temporary conditions in the country:
- Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war);
- An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic;
- Other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
During a designated period, eligible individuals:
- Are not removable from the United States;
- Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD);
- May be granted travel authorization.
While having TPS by itself does not lead to permanent resident status (a green card), a TPS beneficiary may be able to immigrate to the U.S. permanently under other provision of law, if qualified.
For the list of countries that are currently designated for TPS, please follow the link below:
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status