The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the registration process to allow citizens of Ukraine and Sudan currently in the United States to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The registration for this process began on April 19, 2022, and applies to anyone from Ukraine that has lived continuously in the U.S. since at least April 11, 2022, as well as anyone from Sudan who has lived in the U.S. since March 1, 2022. People who want to benefit from TPS must file an application, and do not receive its protections automatically.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a type of temporary legal status offered to people from certain countries that are experiencing significant problems due to war, internecine conflict, or natural disasters. When people are granted TPS, they are allowed to legally remain in the United States without fear of deportation, even if they came to the country without another form of legal status, such as a visa or asylum status. Crucially, they can also obtain permission to legally work in the U.S., allowing them to make a living while dealing with whatever issues caused them to leave their country.
Who is Eligible for TPS Protections?
To be eligible for TPS protections, you must come from one of several countries that has been declared as eligible by DHS or another relevant agency. You must also have been physically present in the United States at the time the TPS protections were put into place, and you must have continuously resided in the U.S. since that time. You also must be able to pass a background check to ensure you do not pose a criminal or national security risk.
Why Are People From Sudan And Ukraine Being Given TPS Protections?
People from Ukraine are being given TPS protections as a result of the invasion of their country by Russia. Much of their country remains under attack, and even in places where Russian forces have been driven back, there are major humanitarian problems that make returning an incredibly dangerous prospect. Meanwhile, people from Sudan are still suffering from the effects of a civil war that raged in the country from 2013 to 2020, where armed conflict is still an issue and millions of Sudanese citizens remain displaced.
What Should I Do if I Want to Apply for TPS?
If you are an immigrant residing in the United States without another form of legal status, and you want to apply for TPS protections, you should speak to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer with experience handling TPS applications can help you to obtain legal status as soon as possible, to minimize your risk of deportation or other legal consequences. The sooner you call, the sooner you can begin the process of obtaining legal status.
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