Savannah Temporary Protected Status Lawyer
The United States responds to upheavals in certain countries by granting their foreign nationals Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. With this status, a foreign national can stay in the United States temporarily until the situation back home improves. Most often, the U.S. grants TPS because of a natural disaster, like an earthquake, or political conflict, and hundreds of foreign nationals have stayed legally in the U.S. for many years. If you are interested in whether you qualify, contact Shirazi Immigration Law today to speak with a Savannah temporary protected status lawyer.
Temporary Protected Status Eligibility
The single biggest factor for qualifying for Temporary Protected Status is having the U.S. government designate your home country as eligible. If you are a national of that country, you should qualify. You might also qualify if you have no nationality but last resided in the designated country.
There is an open initial registration period for nationals to submit a request, and you should strive to meet any deadline. Applicants must also continuously reside in the United States, or they might lose their status.
Some otherwise eligible foreign nationals could be disqualified for various reasons, such as:
- Failure to register for TPS without good cause
- Mandatory bar on asylum
- Finding of inadmissibility for certain grounds
- Criminal convictions in the U.S.—one felony or two misdemeanor convictions
If you fear you are not eligible, or if you have general questions about how to apply, meet with a Savannah temporary protected status attorney.
Countries with Temporary Protected Status
Currently, the United States has designated the following countries:
- El Salvador (since 2001)
- Haiti (since 2010)
- Honduras (since 1998)
- Myanmar (Burma) (since 2021)
- Nepal (since 2015)
- Nicaragua (since 1999)
- Somalia (since 1991)
- South Sudan (since 2011)
- Sudan (since 1997)
- Syria (since 2012)
- Venezuela (since 2021)
- Yemen (since 2017)
This list is subject to change. Other countries may be added, and the U.S. government can always repeal the designation of certain countries, which means that foreign nationals will need to leave as their protection is only temporary.
Effect of Temporary Protected Status
Foreign nationals who are given temporary protected status will not be deported. However, they are not given lawful permanent residence status and they do not have a legal status which can be adjusted so they become eligible for green cards. Nevertheless, It is possible to receive nonimmigrant status and certain immigration benefits.
Should the U.S. repeal a designation for a country, an attorney can also help a foreign national consider their options. They might qualify for another visa which will allow them to continue to live in the United States, but the sooner they meet with an attorney, the better.
Speak with a Temporary Protected Status Lawyer in Savannah
Applying for TPS is not as straightforward as many people imagine. If you need assistance, or if you missed the deadline, please contact Shirazi Immigration Law today. We can explain your rights and seek other avenues that will allow you to stay in the United States legally. Our consultations are always confidential.
