The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially authorized the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians. TPS allows nationals of designated countries to legally remain the United States for a specified period of time. This announcement was made due to the extraordinary state of violence amid a full-scale invasion of and armed conflict currently in Ukraine. Notably, TPS is designated to assist Ukrainian nationals who are currently facing a humanitarian crisis and to protect those fearful of returning to Ukraine.
Who is eligible for TPS? In order to qualify for TPS, an individual:
1. Must be a national of Ukraine or have last habitually resided in Ukraine as their primary residence;
2. Must undergo security and background checks; and
3. Must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022.
The designation of TPS is granted for an initial period of 18 months. Should the adverse country conditions exceed the initial time frame, DHS has the discretion to extend the time limitations of such a TPS designation. Importantly, the designation of TPS assists individuals in three ways: 1. It protects these individuals from being deported from the United States; 2. It confers eligibility to work in the United States; and 3. It allows individuals to apply for travel authorization.
The Shulman Law Group, LLC, a nationally-recognized immigration law firm, applauds the DHS for authorizing TPS as a critically important avenue for humanitarian relief for Ukrainian nationals currently facing such a dangerous and grave crisis. Senior Partner and Firm founder Edward Shulman, Esq, together with his law associates and staff have tremendous empathy for Ukrainian nationals and stand poised to compassionately assist any Ukrainian clients in applying for TPS.