If a person or family is visiting the U.S. and circumstances in their home country suddenly make it unsafe to return, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to grant them Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This designation gives them legal permission to remain in the U.S. temporarily without having to fear deportation.
If your home country is experiencing a state of emergency, seeking legal guidance from an immigration attorney knowledgeable about TPS is essential. This legal protection can ensure that you and your family are not forced to return to a dangerous situation. At the Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennet Esq., we have been helping to address immigration needs since 1987. A Union City Temporary Protected Status lawyer from our firm is here to provide honest, direct assistance if you have questions about TPS.
This status is available to individuals from specific countries who are currently residing in the U.S. They can be granted TPS when conditions in their home country (or a region of it) make a safe return impossible, or when the home country cannot manage their return.
The U.S. government only offers TPS in the event of a serious emergency, including:
Once the U.S. adds a country to the TPS list, its residents become eligible to apply for TPS beneficiary status. If granted, TPS offers significant protections, as an immigration attorney in Union City can explain. Beneficiaries are protected from removal from the U.S., can apply for employment authorization, and may also be granted travel authorization, provided they maintain their TPS status. Importantly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cannot detain TPS beneficiaries solely based on their immigration status.
To get TPS, you must complete the necessary forms and respond to requests for additional information from the appropriate entities, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration Appeals. Once TPS is granted, beneficiaries must re-register during every re-registration window to keep their benefits. If the benefits are revoked and beneficiaries have no other basis to stay in the U.S., they will need to create a plan for voluntary departure (also known as self-deporting) to prevent being removed.
It is important to note that TPS is a temporary benefit, and DHS can revoke a country’s status if the situation changes. However, while TPS does not automatically lead to lawful permanent residency, it provides beneficiaries with time to explore other immigration options for which they are or may become eligible. This could include applying for non-immigrant status or other benefits based on opportunities that arise, such as a new job or family relationship. A TPS lawyer in Union City can advise you on eligibility for alternative immigration pathways.
It can be frightening and confusing to realize that you cannot return home because of an unsafe condition. If you are currently in the U.S. and are from a country designated for TPS, you deserve the opportunity to remain safe here.
At the Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett Esq., a Union City Temporary Protected Status lawyer can help you navigate the TPS application with honesty and compassion. If you have questions, reach out for advice today.
(201) 330-8883