Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a special immigration program offered by the U.S. government that prevents people from being sent back to dangerous situations while their home countries recover from disasters or conflicts.
Around the world, countries face extraordinary, unexpected circumstances. Natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other situations make returning to them unsafe for anybody who is abroad. When that happens, the U.S. government can assign the affected country and its citizens TPS. The designation protects eligible nationals who are already in the United States, allowing them to remain temporarily without fear of deportation.
The key to understanding TPS is to focus on the word temporary. The designation is only supposed to last between 6 months and a year-and-a-half, but if conditions in the home country don’t improve, or worsen, the designation can be extended. Some countries have remained on TPS status for years, and even decades.
To qualify for TPS, a foreign national must meet several criteria:
- You must be a national of a country that’s currently on the TPS list. As of August 1, 2025, these countries are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Lebanon, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. Venezuela is on the TPS list but is expected to end soon.
- You must have been continuously present in the United States since the date referenced in your country’s TPS designation. You can’t leave the United States for extended periods.
- You cannot have certain criminal convictions or pose a security threat to the United States.
- You must submit an application during the designated registration period. This is announced as soon as a country receives TPS designation and if the status is extended.
TPS provides multiple benefits, but the most important are protection from deportation, permission to work legally in the United States (with employment authorization), and the ability to obtain travel authorization in certain circumstances. However, TPS does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship. Its relief is strictly temporary and is based on ongoing conditions in your home country. When TPS for your country ends, you need to either leave the United States or find another legal way to remain.
The rules around TPS can be complex, and immigration laws change constantly. If you think you might qualify, contact one of our experienced immigration attorneys to discuss your specific situation.