Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a critical immigration protection in the United States that allows nationals from certain countries to live and work here legally when returning home would be unsafe. Whether due to armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions, TPS offers a humanitarian solution—but not everyone qualifies, and the protections it provides are specific and limited. At Wilson Wong Law, PC, we help clients navigate the complexities of TPS and other immigration pathways.

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

TPS is a designation granted by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to nationals of countries that are experiencing conditions that temporarily prevent safe return. These conditions may include:

• Ongoing armed conflict (e.g., civil war)
• Environmental disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes)
• Epidemics or other extraordinary temporary conditions

This designation allows individuals from these countries who are already in the U.S. to remain here legally for a specific period, which can be extended by the government.

Who Qualifies for TPS?

To be eligible for TPS, an individual must:

1. Be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in that country.
2. Have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the TPS designation.
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since a date specified by the Department of Homeland Security.
4. Apply during the open initial registration or re-registration period, or meet the requirements for late initial filing.
5. Not have certain criminal convictions, including felonies or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
6. Not be deemed inadmissible under certain immigration grounds.

Each TPS designation has specific guidelines, including deadlines and country-specific criteria. Legal assistance can help ensure the application is complete and timely.

What Does TPS Provide?

TPS is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, but it does offer important protections:

• Protection from deportation while TPS is in effect
• Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing legal work in the U.S.
• Permission to apply for travel authorization under certain circumstances

Importantly, TPS recipients can apply for other immigration benefits they may be eligible for, and having TPS does not prevent someone from seeking asylum or other forms of relief.

What TPS Does Not Provide

While TPS is a form of humanitarian relief, it does not:

• Grant lawful permanent residence (a green card)
• Provide a direct path to U.S. citizenship
• Guarantee permanent protection from removal once TPS ends

Because of these limitations, many TPS recipients also explore other legal avenues for long-term stability in the U.S., such as asylum, adjustment of status, or family-based immigration petitions.

How Wilson Wong Law, PC Can Help

Navigating TPS requirements can be complex. At Wilson Wong Law, PC, we assist immigrants with:

• Determining TPS eligibility
• Preparing and filing TPS applications
• Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Exploring other immigration options

With ongoing changes to TPS designations and immigration policy, having professional legal guidance is key to staying informed and protected.