The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced extensions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela. These extensions provide critical protection for individuals from these countries who are currently residing in the United States and are unable to return safely due to ongoing conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.Â
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?Â
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian relief program established by the U.S. government that allows nationals from certain countries experiencing extreme conditions to live and work in the United States without the fear of deportation. TPS is granted to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements and provides temporary protection for a designated period of time, which can be extended by the U.S. Government as needed. Individuals may need to re-register their TPS status, if previously received, in order to benefit from the extension of their status. Individuals with TPS are permitted to stay in the U.S., apply for work authorization, and are protected from removal until the designation for their country expires or is revoked.Â
TPS provides several benefits to eligible individuals:Â
Each country designated for TPS is evaluated periodically to assess whether the conditions warrant the continuation or extension of the program. The program is designed to offer relief to individuals affected by ongoing crises in their home countries.Â
Details of the ExtensionsÂ
The DHS has made the following extensions for nationals from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela:Â
Individuals from Ukraine and Venezuela can continue to apply for initial TPS under the previous designations, if they qualify. Initial applicants and those who have previously re-registered who have a pending Form I-821 and Form I-765 under the prior designations do not need to file either application again. If the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves an individual’s pending Form I-821, USCIS will grant TPS through the extended period listed above.   Â
If you are currently a TPS beneficiary under the El Salvador designation, and you have not yet re-registered for TPS under the most recent extension for that designation, you must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the current re-registration period to keep your TPS benefits.Â
Please access the USCIS webpage on Temporary Protected Status to verify the appropriate process for either initial or re-registration of your TPS status.   Â
Eligibility for TPSÂ
To be eligible for Temporary Protected Status, individuals must meet certain criteria, including:Â
Why is TPS Important?Â
TPS provides critical protection for individuals who might otherwise face deportation to countries that are not safe due to war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. With TPS, eligible individuals can rebuild their lives in the U.S. while their home countries work toward recovery. The extension of TPS for these countries offers peace of mind and stability for hundreds of thousands of people, allowing them to continue working, supporting their families, and contributing to their communities.Â
This action also reaffirms the U.S. government’s commitment to providing humanitarian relief to people in need and offering a lifeline to those whose home countries are experiencing unmanageable crises.Â
If you would like to talk to an experienced immigration attorney regarding Temporary Protected Status, or any other immigration matter, please contact the team at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C.  Â
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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