In response to ongoing violence due to political unrest occurring in Syria, the Department of Homeland Security has designated Syria for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”). In keeping with its commitment to assisting immigrants with humanitarian needs, Perez & Malik, PLLC are processing applications for TPS for local Syrian Nationals. Perez & Malik, PLLC is an immigration law firm located in San Antonio, Texas dedicated to assisting individuals, families, and businesses with their immigration needs. The lawyers of Perez & Malik, PLLC offer comprehensive immigration services in all areas of immigration law.
What is TPS?
Temporary Protected Status TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries. During the period for which a country has been designated under the TPS program, TPS beneficiaries may remain in the United States and may obtain work authorization. However, TPS does not lead to permanent resident status.
When the TPS designation of a country is terminated, beneficiaries revert to the same immigration status they maintained before TPS (unless that status had since expired or been terminated) or to any other status they may have acquired while registered for TPS.
Accordingly, if a foreign national had unlawful status prior to receiving TPS and did not obtain any status during the TPS period, the foreign national reverts to unlawful status upon the termination of that TPS designation.
Who is Eligible for the Temporary Protected Status?
A foreign national who is a national of a country designated for TPS is eligible to apply for benefits under the TPS program if he or she:
- Establishes continuous physical presence and continuous residence in the United States for a specified period of time;
- Is not subject to one of the criminal, security-related, or other bars to TPS; and
- Timely applies for TPS benefits. If the Secretary of Homeland Security extends a TPS designation beyond the initial designation period, the beneficiary must timely re-register to maintain his or her benefits under the TPS program.
A foreign national is not eligible for TPS if he or she:
- Is a persecutor, terrorist or otherwise subject to one of the bars to asylum; or
- Has been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States;
- Is subject to one of several criminal-related grounds of inadmissibility for which a waiver is not available.
If you are a Syrian National and need assistance filing for TPS, please contact Perez & Malik, PLLC Immigration Lawyers.
