Over the past month, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has expanded the list of countries designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to include Afghanistan and Ukraine. TPS differs from other forms of emergency immigration, such as asylum and refugee status, in that it is not decided strictly on a case-by-case basis. Rather, in order to be considered for TPS, an individual must come from a country that is on the list of counties designated for Temporary Protected Status by the State Department. The State Department adds countries to this list when it determines that a substantial risk of harm or death exists to foreign nationals who would return there. Now that Afghanistan and Ukraine have been added to this list, nationals from those countries may register for TPS here in the states.

What is Temporary Protected Status?

TPS is a status granted to individuals from foreign countries that are too dangerous for them to live in or return to. TPS can be granted due to natural disasters, political unrest, or war. TPS is granted for a period of 18 months, but may be renewed by the government until it determines that nationals from those countries are no longer in danger if they return. TPS gives individuals from designated countries the ability to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation. While TPS can essentially last an indefinite period of time, it does not create a path to citizenship and is only meant as a temporary solution to provide a safe haven for vulnerable individuals.