Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a type of immigration status granted to individuals from certain countries who are unable to safely return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. The program was created by Congress in 1990 and has since been extended to individuals from 13 countries. As a legal resident of North Carolina, it is crucial to understand TPS and how it impacts your life. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about Temporary Protected Status.
Who is eligible for TPS?
To be eligible for TPS, an individual must be a national of a country designated for TPS by the U.S. government, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country. Additionally, the individual must have been physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of the most recent TPS designation, and must meet other eligibility criteria, such as passing a background check.
How long does TPS last?
Temporary Protected Status is granted for a specific period of time, usually 6 to 18 months, but can be extended as necessary. Individuals who are granted TPS are protected from removal from the U.S. and may receive employment authorization. It is important to note that TPS is a temporary status and does not provide a path to permanent residence or U.S. citizenship.
