Immigrating to the United States can be a complicated process, and there are many different types of visas that may be available, as well as multiple legal statuses that may affect a person's ability to remain in the country and avoid deportation. For some immigrants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may be an option to protect against deportation and ensure that they are not forced to return to countries where their safety could be at risk. TPS is intended to protect individuals who are unable to return to their home countries due to natural disasters, wars, or other extreme circumstances. Understanding when a person can qualify for TPS and the process of applying for this form of protection can be crucial for immigrants who are seeking to remain in the U.S.
Understanding Temporary Protected Status
The Temporary Protected Status program was created in 1990, and it grants temporary protections to individuals from certain countries. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS based on extraordinary issues that temporarily affect the safety and well-being of the country's residents. These may include environmental disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, or hurricanes, as well as civil wars, other armed conflicts, epidemics of infectious diseases, or any other dangerous conditions.
Immigrants from designated countries can apply for TPS, and once they are granted this status, they cannot be deported from the United States. They will also be able to receive authorization to work for employers in the U.S., and they may be granted authorization to travel internationally and return to the United States. TPS designations usually remain in effect for a limited time, although they may be extended. Immigrants who have been granted Temporary Protected Status will be required to re-register after the designation for their country has been extended.
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