Temporary Protected Status — commonly referred to as TPS — is a humanitarian protection that allows nationals of certain designated countries to live and work legally in the United States when conditions in their home country make safe return impossible. It is not a path to permanent residence on its own, but it is a critical lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people who have built their lives in the United States while their home countries face war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
TPS is also, as of the publication of this page, one of the most actively litigated areas of immigration law in the country. The legal landscape is changing rapidly, and TPS holders need current, accurate legal guidance more urgently than at almost any point in the program's history.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR TPS
TPS is available to nationals of countries that the U.S. government has designated for the program based on ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. To be eligible, you must be a national of a currently designated country, have been continuously residing in the United States since the most recent designation date for your country, have been continuously physically present in the United States since a specified date, and not have certain disqualifying criminal convictions.
TPS does not require you to have entered the United States legally. However, it does require that you meet the continuous presence and residence requirements for your country's designation — and those dates vary by country.
WHAT TPS PROVIDES
If granted TPS, you receive temporary protection from deportation and are eligible to apply for employment authorization, which allows you to work legally in the United States. TPS holders may also apply for a travel document — Form I-512T — that allows travel outside the United States and return, though this requires a separate application and carries its own risks depending on your overall immigration situation.
TPS does not by itself provide a path to a green card or citizenship. However, a TPS holder who is otherwise eligible for permanent residence — through a family member, an employer, or another qualifying basis — may be able to apply for a green card in addition to maintaining TPS.
THE CURRENT LEGAL LANDSCAPE
The Trump administration has moved aggressively to terminate TPS designations for multiple countries since 2025, including Haiti, Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Somalia, and others. Many of these terminations have been challenged in federal court, and the legal situation varies significantly by country.
As of the publication of this page, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 29, 2026 regarding the administration's termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria. A decision is expected by early July 2026 and could affect the legal framework for TPS challenges across all countries.
The status of TPS for any given country is subject to change based on court orders, regulatory action, and the Supreme Court's upcoming decision. TPS holders should not make any assumptions about the current validity of their status without verifying the current legal situation for their specific country.
WHAT WE HANDLE
- TPS applications and renewals
- Employment authorization applications for TPS holders
- Travel document applications
- Advice on the interaction between TPS and other immigration benefits
- Legal assessment of country-specific TPS status and ongoing litigation
- Transition planning for TPS holders seeking more permanent immigration options
- Representation in cases where TPS termination affects a pending application or removal proceeding
IF YOUR TPS HAS BEEN TERMINATED OR IS AT RISK
If your country's TPS has been terminated or is being challenged in court, your options depend on your specific circumstances — when you arrived, what your entry status was, whether you have qualifying family relationships, and what other forms of relief may be available to you. Some TPS holders may be eligible for asylum, adjustment of status, or other protections. Others may face serious risk. An individual assessment is essential.
The situation is moving quickly. If you have questions about your TPS status or your options, contact us as soon as possible. Contact us All initial conversations are confidential.
The information on this page reflects the legal landscape as of April 2026. TPS law, country designations, and court orders are subject to rapid change. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney for current guidance on your specific situation.