What to Know About Temporary Protected Status

According to CBS.com, “the Biden administration on Saturday announced it will extend deportation protections and work permits for 54,000 Haitian immigrants living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and allow tens of thousands of other eligible Haitians to request relief.” Read on to learn more.

What Is TPS?

TPS, or Temporary Protected Status exists so that the Secretary of Homeland Security can designate certain foreign countries for TPS if he or she believes there are unsafe conditions in these countries that prevent foreign nationals from returning safely. Some qualifications for TPS can include an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or any other “extraordinary and temporary conditions” that may prevent foreigners from returning safely.

TPS for Haitian Immigrants

According to CBS, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has explained that “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 pandemic.” As a result, the United States is working to support Haitian nationals until they can safely return home to Haiti. According to BuzzFeed, “The Biden administration will grant more than 100,000 Haitians in the US the opportunity to gain temporary protected status, shielding them from deportation and allowing them to obtain work permits…”

Who Is Eligible?

It is important to know that this extension only applies to Haitian immigrants currently living in the U.S. and will not apply to those who come to the U.S. after the announcement was made.

If you have any questions or concerns about TPS, contact our experienced firm to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney.

Contact Our Firm

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.