Countries that are designated for TPS (as of May 2021)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a time-limited status given to eligible nationals of designated countries who are present in the United States when circumstances in their home country make it unsafe to return. The status is afforded to nationals from countries affected by armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions, and allows eligible individuals to...

Breaking: Designation of Haiti for TPS

On May 22, 2021, DHS announced the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. In laying down the basis for TPS, Secretary Mayorkas stated the following: “Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19...

Potential Issues Faced by Returning LPRs after Extended Stays Overseas

Update Post: May 28, 2021 Issues continue to pile up as more and more LPRs with extended stays abroad try to enter the United States. It has been reported by some whose stay overseas lasted more than a year that they were denied boarding by the airline during check-in. Some airlines may refuse to board LPR even when the green card is still valid by following the regulation below: An immigrant...

Re-Designation of Syria for TPS

On March 18, 2021, DHS announced re-designation and extension of Syria for TPS. This means that current beneficiaries may extend their TPS until September 30, 2022 while first-time applicants may now apply if they had missed the previous registration period. Current beneficiaries Current beneficiaries will be eligible to re-register for an extension of their status and have employment...

Breaking: Designation of Burma for TPS

Update: September 26, 2022 DHS is extending the designation of Burma For TPS for 18 months, from 11/26/22 through 05/25/24. Current beneficiaries re-registering under the extension of TPS for Burma must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from Sept. 27, 2022, through Nov. 26, 2022, to ensure they keep their TPS and work authorization without a gap. DHS...

Breaking: Designation of Venezuela for TPS

Update: March 17, 2021 USICS issued the following clarifications in light of inconsistencies that were discovered on Form I-821 instructions and the Federal Register Notice Mailing Zip Code Correction The zip code listed in the Federal Register was incorrect. The correct USPS filing addresses are located in the “Where to File” dropdown box on the TPS-Venezuela page on USCIS.gov. Biometrics...

ICE Announces Case Review Process

ICE announces the creation of case review process for those who believe their case was not properly considered under the current enforcement priorities. Details about the current enforcement priorities are shown below. Individuals requesting a detention case review should contact their local ERO field office for initial consideration. Upon request, cases will be further reviewed by a Senior...

Can TPS Recipients Apply for Adjustment of Status?

In order to pursue adjustment of status and become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), an applicant must in addition to meeting other requirements have been properly "inspected and admitted or paroled" into the United Sates. Otherwise, the applicant cannot apply for Green Card inside the U.S. A TPS recipient have lawful status in the U.S. given the TPS designation but oftentimes they obtained TPS...

Current Immigration Enforcement and Removal Priorities

Update June 28, 2022 A U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas vacated Secretary Mayorkas's September 30, 2021, memorandum. The order, however, was stayed through June 24, 2022, to allow the Fifth Circuit the chance to rule on the government's appeal. The Fifth Circuit did not rule and the motion remains pending. As such, the District Court's decision to vacate took effect on June...