The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for temporary protected status (TPS) due to conditions in the country that 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. Generally the types of conditions which warrant such designation include:
- Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
- An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic
- Other extraordinary and temporary conditions
Citizens of such countries or regions cannot be removed from the United States to their home country (or its designated TPS region) so long as that status continues to be in effect.
Just recently the Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson decided to extend the period of eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Sudan for an additional 18 months, effective Nov. 3, 2014, through May 2, 2016. The reason for the decision stemmed from the ongoing conflict between the Sudan and its neighbor, South Sudan, which broke away and became a separate nation a few years ago.
Eligible Sudan TPS beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period which just began on September 2, 2014 and request a new EAD will receive one with a new expiration date of May 2, 2016. TPS status does not confer permanent residency status upon those who qualify. Rather it is intended as a temporary measure for those who might be endangered if they returned in the near future. It is recommended that potential applicants should consult with an experienced immigration attorney familiar with the process of gaining TPS status.
The Shulman Law Group, LLC has successfully handled and effectuated many TPS and asylum cases. The firm and its staff are well-versed in the nuances and underpinnings of claims of persecution involving individuals from many countries. What sets our firm apart from other law offices is that we skillfully prepare comprehensive applications that include country reports, autobiographical statements, affidavits from friends, family and colleagues, psychological evaluations, and expert witness testimonials–strategies that predispose the applicant to a higher probability of an approval. Our firm maintains an up-to-date knowledge on the latest case law which affects the manner in which these cases are reviewed.