The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been a lifeline to thousands of people that are living in the United States. It protects these individuals from being subjected to dangerous conditions from their home country like disease, starvation, violence, and other threatening conditions. However, TPS regulations are continually changing. Now more than ever, it is critical to have a knowledgeable team that can help guide you through these specific adjustments.
Immigration Law Group can guide you through your Visa issues, Green Card questions, and discuss any policy changes. TPS is a critical designation for many, and it is imperative to understand the requirements of this status, as well as the updates to this specific policy. With Immigration Law Group, you can stay up to date with this ever-changing immigration climate, and understand how you may be affected by it.
What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Through the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress created the Temporary Protected Status (TPS). It is a temporary immigration status that would be provided to the nationals of specific countries that are confronting extraordinary or temporary conditions, environmental disasters, or ongoing armed conflicts. These particular issues make it unsafe for the nationals to be deported back to their home country. As a result, the TPS designation provides these nationals with a work permit and a stay of deportation.
To qualify for this TPS designation, individuals need to meet the following criteria:
- Must be a national of a country that has a TPS designation;
- Be continuously and physically present in the United States since the specific date of appointment;
- Must have resided in the United States, consistently, since the specified period indicated by the Secretary of Homeland Security; AND
- Not be barred from asylum for national security or criminal related reasons. (i.e., convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors.) or inadmissible to the United States.
TPS Updates and How They Affect Individuals With Final Removal Proceedings
Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its USCIS Policy Memo to reflect the effects of individuals in the TPS designation who travel outside of the United States and have final removal orders. This recent update indicates that these individuals who travel abroad temporarily, with proper prior authorization, will be able to return to the United States. They will retain the same immigration status they had before they departed the United States. This change is a stark difference to past regulations. Previously, individuals in the TPS designation with final removal proceedings who left the country would result in the execution of their outstanding removal order.
How Does TPS Affect the Country?
Most TPS individuals have been in the United States for decades. Starting families here and becoming deeply integrated into their towns and their cities. These individuals not only contribute significantly to the overall U.S. economy, but they provide financial and emotional support to their families and friends. They also provide vital assistance to schools in their area, civic organizations, and even their churches. Many of these individuals work as caregivers, or professions that are crucial to the overall health of not only their specific communities but the country as a whole.
About 88.5% of TPS beneficiaries are in the labor force. This is a significant statistic that would cause a devastating economic and social impact across the country if the TPS program was ever terminated. Ending this program would create substantial GDP losses that would be staggering for the country to process. TPS recipients are a significant stabilizing factor for the United States. They also allow the promotion of regional security to their own home country as well.
Why Call the Immigration Law Group?
With Immigration Law Group, you will have a dedicated staff that will work tirelessly on your immigration case. We understand how critical each Visa application is and how important it is to stay ahead of new immigration policies. We know the effects these regulations have on not only your specific case but your life and livelihood as well. Don’t wait any longer; contact us today to schedule a meeting to discuss your situation or to have us answer any immigration questions you may have.
