Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status for individuals whose countries are experiencing problems by putting their nationals at special risk if they were to be deported back to that country. Hundreds of thousands of individuals already in the United States have relied on TPS when problems in their home countries suddenly make their return or deportation dangerous.
The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS when conditions in that country 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.
What does TPS mean for eligible individuals?
During a designated period, TPS holders are:
- Not able to be deported from the U.S. and not able to be detained by DHS for reasons of immigration status
- Eligible for an employment authorization document
- Eligible for authorization to travel
Numbers
The US currently is providing TPS to over 300,000 foreign nationals. For a list of all current TPS designations, please visit this page.