Temporary Protected Status provides critical humanitarian relief for foreign nationals from designated countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or dangerous conditions that make return unsafe. Managing TPS applications and re-registrations, and maintaining legal status, requires experienced immigration guidance to avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your protection.
At Rhodes Immigration Law Office, PLLC, our The Woodlands temporary protected status lawyer helps TPS beneficiaries understand eligibility requirements, prepare comprehensive applications, and maintain legal status while exploring pathways to permanent residency. Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted by the U.S. government to nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, epidemics, or other extraordinary temporary conditions that make return unsafe. TPS provides humanitarian protection, allowing eligible foreign nationals already in the United States to remain legally and work without fear of deportation.
The Secretary of Homeland Security designates countries for TPS based on ongoing armed conflict posing serious threats to personal safety, environmental disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes preventing a safe return, epidemics, or other extraordinary temporary conditions. Designations typically last 6–18 months but can be extended if dangerous conditions persist.
TPS beneficiaries receive employment authorization, protection from deportation, and permission to obtain travel documents, though TPS does not provide permanent residency or direct pathways to green cards. Beneficiaries must re-register during designated periods to maintain status.
TPS does not forgive unlawful entry or overstaying visas, but recognizes that forcing returns to dangerous countries will cause extreme hardship. Countries currently designated include Venezuela, Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Ukraine, and others facing ongoing crises. An attorney in The Woodlands can evaluate how TPS fits into your broader immigration strategy.
TPS matters have been in the news recently, with many attempts to revoke the status of people from certain countries. As a temporary resident of the United States, you have the right to due process before you can be removed from the country. There is a different legal process that is followed, depending on whether TPS protections are removed broadly on a per-country basis or from a specific individual.
If you fall into the latter category, you are entitled to an individualized determination about your situation. You must be notified of any decision made by USCIS and given a chance to respond to their concerns. If USCIS is attempting to remove you from this country, you can seek a hearing in front of an immigration judge, who will make the final decision about your status in the United States.
Having an experienced temporary protected status lawyer in The Woodlands by your side can significantly improve your ability to present a strong and well-documented case.
For those who are in the U.S., while an extraordinary and temporary calamity, such as war or a natural disaster, has prevented their safe return home, the Attorney General of the United States may designate Temporary Protected Status for citizens of that country.
People whose countries have been designated with Temporary Protected Status may be eligible to apply for temporary authorization to remain in the U.S. and apply for work authorization. Below is a list of TPS-eligible countries and their information:
| Designated Country | Most Recent Designation Date | Current Expiration Date | Current Re-Registration Period | Current Initial Registration Period | EAD Automatically Extended Through |
| El Salvador | March 9, 2001 | September 9, 2013 | January 9, 2012 – March 12, 2012 | N/A | September 9, 2012 |
| Haiti | July 23, 2011 | July 22, 2014 | October 1, 2012 – November 30, 2012 | N/A | July 22, 2013 |
| Honduras | January 5, 1999 | July 5, 2013 | November 4, 2011 -January 5, 2012 | N/A | July 5, 2012 |
| Nicaragua | January 5, 1999 | July 5, 2013 | November 4, 2011 -January 5, 2012 | N/A | July 5, 2012 |
| Somalia | September 18, 2012 | March 17, 2014 | May 1, 2012 – July 2, 2012 | May 1, 2012 – October 29, 2012 | NO Automatic Extension |
| Sudan | May 3, 20120 | November 2, 2014 | January 9, 2013 – March 11, 2013 | January 9, 2013 – July 8, 2013 | NO Automatic Extension |
| South Sudan | May 3, 2013 | November 2, 2014 | January 9, 2013 – March 11, 2013 | January 9, 2013 – July 8, 2013 | NO Automatic Extension |
| Syria | March 29, 2012 | September 20, 2013 | N/A | March 29, 2012 – September 25, 2012 | N/A |
To be eligible to request TPS, you must be physically present and continuously residing in the United States since the initial registration period of the designated country, establish that you are from the designated country, and you must not have been convicted of one felony or 2 misdemeanors. Lastly, you must have filed an application for TPS during the first designation period for your home country. If you are already a TPS holder and wish to renew your TPS contact us now for a consultation.
There are also instances where someone may apply for Late Registration TPS, however many of the same initial requirements must still be met by the applicant. Rhodes Immigration Law Office has years of experience filing and renewing applications for TPS. Call today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
A knowledgeable lawyer can provide essential guidance with the TPS application and re-registration process. A The Woodlands TPS attorney determines eligibility based on your country of origin, physical presence in the United States during designation periods, and continuous residence requirements that many applicants misunderstand.
Lawyers prepare comprehensive TPS applications, ensuring all required documentation is included. You submit proof of nationality, evidence of continuous residence, identity documents, and fee waiver requests if financially eligible. They handle re-registration filings during designated periods, preventing status lapses that can result in deportation.
Experienced immigration attorneys address criminal history concerns that may affect TPS eligibility and request waivers when appropriate. They help obtain employment authorization documents, improving work opportunities while maintaining legal status.
TPS lawyers also explore pathways to permanent residency for those who may qualify through family relationships, employment sponsorship, or other immigration benefits. They represent clients facing TPS denials, filing appeals and motions to reopen cases, protecting your ability to remain in the United States legally.
If you have questions about your presence in the country or need guidance to protect it, a The Woodlands temporary protected status lawyer at Rhodes Immigration Law Office, PLLC can provide legal guidance and advocate for your rights. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your immigration matter.
