Temporary Protected Status
Temporary protected status is a special designation for immigrants granted by the Homeland Security Secretary. The purpose of temporary protected status is to allow immigrants to stay in the United States if conditions in their home countries prevent their safe return. Generally, temporary protected status may be granted if one or more of the following conditions are present in the immigrant’s home country:
- War or Civil Conflict
- Natural Disaster
- Other Temporary, Extraordinary Condition
If the Homeland Security Secretary decides to grant temporary protected status to immigrants from a given country, those immigrants do not have to leave the United States while the protected status period is in effect. Temporary protected status is granted for at least six months, but no more than 18 months. At the end of that time the Homeland Security Secretary will review the conditions that triggered the protected status. If those conditions are still present, the secretary may extend temporary protected status benefits for another six, 12 or 18 months.
Gaining Temporary Protected Status Benefits
If conditions in your home country have convinced the Homeland Security Secretary to issue temporary protected status, you still have to apply to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to stay in the United States. The application is made with Form I-821. If you wish to work while in the United States, you should also apply for employment authorization with Form I-765. An immigration attorney may be able to assist you in filing these forms.
Immigration Services and Immigration Lawyers
Temporary protected status is not meant to be permanent, which can create difficulties for immigrants who through no fault of their own cannot return home. Once the protected status has been withdrawn, the immigrant returns to whatever status he or she held previously, unless that status expired or was withdrawn during the protected status period. Unfortunately this means that the end of protected status can spell immediate deportation for some immigrants. If this has happened to you or a family member, call the law offices of XXX.
At XXX, we are highly experienced immigration attorneys who have a comprehensive understanding of immigration law, including issues associated with temporary protected status. We are skilled at handling temporary protected status appeals, advising clients who need advance parole to travel abroad, and all other facets of protected status.
Call today and discuss your temporary protected status issues with an experienced YYY immigration attorney.